Ula Kristina Swenson

Ula Swenson, 80, a longtime resident of Putnam Valley, NY, passed away on March 16, 2025, in Englewood, Florida, surrounded by family. Born in Boylston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Hugo and Florence (Smith) Tobiesen.

Ula was a dedicated educator, teaching English in Peekskill and Yorktown, published co-author, and later became a respected real estate agent, helping many find their perfect homes. A passionate civic activist, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the Taconic Parkway Pudding Street overpass, a project that improved safety for countless motorists.

Beyond her professional and civic contributions, Ula was deeply engaged in politics, never hesitating to stand up for the causes she believed in. She was outspoken, determined, and never afraid to challenge the status quo, always striving for justice, fairness, and progress.

She also had a lifelong passion for gardening, finding joy and peace in cultivating beauty in her surroundings. She was the founder of the Roaring Brook Lake Garden Club. Her dedication to this group is evident in the community garden she helped create and maintain which has been named in her honor.

Her Swedish heritage was a source of great pride, and she remained deeply dedicated to preserving and honoring her family’s history. With three of her four grandparents having emigrated from Scandinavia, she embraced her Nordic roots, sharing family stories, traditions, and values with her children and grandchildren.

She sewed clothing for her grandchildren, crafted intricate pieces for her home, and, in one of her most meaningful acts of devotion, made the wedding dress for both her daughters in law. She cherished time with her family, including her beloved grandchildren, and enjoyed interior design, reading, and hosting joyful gatherings at her Roaring Brook Lake home.

She is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Jeffrey Poznick; her sons, John (Jackie) Spittal of Elizabethtown, PA, David (Lisa) Spittal of Putnam Valley, NY, and Eric (Kim) Spittal of Stowe, Vermont; her grandchildren, Julia, Johanna, Amelia, and Anders; her brother Eric (Marygail) Tobiesen, and many cherished friends.

Ula’s legacy of passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to her community will be deeply missed. A service to celebrate Ula’s life will be on April 5, at 12:00 noon at the Tompkins Corner Cultural Center, 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley, NY. Family will receive friends from 10AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Putnam Valley Library, or Hope Springs Farm (in honor of Ula’s granddaughter, JoJo)