Ilene Eberhardt Swartz

Ilene Eberhardt, daughter of Edgar and Luella Eberhardt was born in Milwaukee in 1931. The family later moved to Denver, Colorado.

She graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Education and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She began teaching in Cochrane, California, and then moved to San Diego in 1952, where she continued teaching. She took a brief hiatus to work as a TWA stewardess and was based out of San Francsico and New York- she adored both cities.

In 1963, Ilene married the love of her life, Curtis Swartz, MD, an anesthesiologist, with whom she had two children, Anne and Amy.

After starting a family, she focused on volunteering, which included being a docent at the San Diego Museum of Art and a member of the San Diego County grand jury. She loved her church, Grace Lutheran. She was also actively involved with Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS), Coronado Hospital Foundation, Coronado Historical Association and Crown Garden Club. She was a member of the Coronado Yacht Club and the Wednesday Club.

In recognition of her volunteer work, she was named a “Women of Dedication” by the Salvation Army and a “Legend” by the Coronado Soroptimists.

The Swartz family lived in the Hillcrest area of San Diego and ultimately made their “vacation” home in Coronado their permanent home in 1990.

Ilene and Kurt entertained frequently, whether it be a dinner for new physicians joining the medical group or her Valentine’s tea. They were fun gatherings that very often included a game of sorts. She seldom attended an event without bringing baked goods or homemade gift tags. Her interests varied, cultivating a variety of dear friends.

She was a role model for her four grandchildren, instilling in them her love of art, friends and lemonade stands. The grandchildren remember frequent trips delivering cookies to neighbors, playing at Star Park and dinners at Island Pasta.

Ilene was a gentle soul, full of love and joy. She taught people to play Mexican Train, and to this day groups play Mexican Train all over Coronado. Her selflessness came naturally, and she always remembered your birthday. Ilene was an inspiration to all who knew her and was dearly loved by her family.

Ilene survived by her daughters, Anne Rebone of San Diego, California, and Amy Zantzinger (Richard) of Washington, DC; four grandchildren, Curtis and Margo Rebone, and Audrey and Richard Zantzinger; and two brothers, Duane (Melva Lee) and Arlen (Sherry) Eberhardt. She was preceded in death by her brother, Warren Eberhardt. Ilene was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.

She requested if so moved, donations be made to the Coronado Hospital Foundation or the Coronado Historical Association.

The family will hold a memorial service at Grace Lutheran Church, 3967 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 am.