Delores May Swanson

Delores May Swanson, 53, Woodstock, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at her home in Woodstock, surrounded by her family.

She was born Feb. 4, 1960, in Elgin to Alan and Gladys (Henrys) Swanson.

She was raised on a local dairy farm where values, a hard-working attitude and love of family were instilled in her. She was a teacher for Alden-Hebron School District 19 for more than 28 years.  

She held masters degrees in administration as well as reading. She loved working with the students, parents, teachers and staff at Alden-Hebron District 19.  

She was a very dedicated, talented, caring, giving and supportive person who always was willing to take on any challenge and become involved in anything that would benefit children and enrich their lives.  Her family and friends were most important to her, and she loved spending time with them, especially her nieces and nephews. She provided guidance and support to family and students, and she attended many of their events.  

Along with her generous nature, she would provide assistance and lend a helping hand to people in need.

Survivors include two brothers, Donald Swanson and Dale (Lori) Swanson; three sisters, Donna Douglas, Diane (Joseph) Hellyer and Debbie (Steve) Ehlenburg; 15 nieces and nephews; William (Kelly), Andrea, John and Patrick Douglas, Christopher Hellyer, Tiffany (James) Ryan; Danielle, Stephanie, Jennifer and Adam Swanson, Michael (Holly), Katie and Robert Ehlenburg and Hunter and Madelynn Swanson; and 13 great-nieces and nephews, Nathan and Natalie Douglas, Biacana Stephany, Tyler Douglas, Jacob Stewart, Emma and Blake Douglas, Joshua Douglas, Connor, Hailey and Zachary Ryan and Christopher Savalick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents, Henry and Eleanor Henrys; paternal grandparents, Ernest and Edith Swanson; and a brother-in-law, William Douglas.

Visitation was July 12 and 13 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.  

A celebration of her life was held July 13 at Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, Crystal Lake. Burial was July 13 at McHenry County Memorial Park.

Memorials can be sent to the family for the Delores Swanson Foundation to be designated in support of educational programs within the school and church community.