Karen A. Swenson

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer on April 19th, she was blessed with many heartfelt goodbyes and though the time was short and bittersweet, her swift leaving allowed for her to go peacefully to her lord in her home, leaving the pain and worries behind. Born to Arthur Myers and Ella (Hovind) Myers in Galena, IL. After growing up in her beloved hillside of Galena, she attended school at Rockford Business College and there she met and married James Duffey and his children, Penny (Tim) Wisemiller and Robert (Sherry) Duffey. After much sorrow and failed attempts, the family celebrated with being joined by Shawn (Dana) Duffey and Shana (Brian) Webb. James and Karen later divorced and after several years of single mom life, Karen met and married Mike Swenson and his children Stan Swenson, Carrie Turnure, Jody (John) Benton and Dustin (Kelly) Swenson. Karen worked at Amerock for over 30 years and was very proud of breaking many barriers into what was considered “man’s” work. She made many lifelong friends while there and enjoyed learning and improving the processes. She always had a “side job”, to enable care of her children and then later joined the staff at the YMCA front desk and met and befriended staff members and patrons alike. She was an avid member of Al-Anon for many years and enjoyed activities with the Shriners and traveling, with husband Mike. She was a member of St. Johns Church and later Court Street United Methodist Church. It was there that she shared her faith with her children and sang loud and clear in the church choir. Her faith and daily devotionals kept her. She worked very hard at maintaining stability and teaching diversions and creating happy moments for her children and grandchildren to help them to balance the good and bad of life. Whether it was through faith, music, football, motor cross, bowling, gardening or thrifting there was always time to laugh, talk and share conversation, advice and good food (that someone else cooked). She never met a child that didn’t deserve the attention, hope and encouragement to excel. Karen is survived by all her children, grandchildren Jessica (George) Story, Donald Ward, Jasmine Ruvolo, Torry (Kayla) Duffey, Kylie, Layla and Connor Swenson and her Great Grandchildren Riley and Jonas Story, Gianna, Aiden and Abel Ruvolo and Aiden Turnure and her very special BFF Cindy Nichols. She has been predeceased by her mother and father, special aunt Sissy, both her ex-Husband Jim and the love of her life Mike and her stepson Stan. Celebration and visitation will be attended at Court Street United Methodist Church with a burial to be laid beside her husband at Willwood Cemetery, Rockford, IL. Special thanks to OSF Hospice, for all of the timely care and assistance in providing a peaceful going home for our mom.