A true inspiration….

If you have been a regular reader of this blog then you may remember my newsletter back in April where I wrote about my grandmother (we called her “Gramme”) and the inspirational conversation I shared with her.  It is with great sadness & pride that I must report her passing back on November 22nd.  She was a very special lady to me and to all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.  Here is her obituary that appeared in the paper in case you’d like to learn more about her.

Swanson, Irene Ethel 93 07/22/1917 11/22/2010 Irene passed away Nov. 22, 2010, in Beaverton, her home for over 50 years. Born near Ipswich, S.D., the youngest of seven children, Irene moved to Oregon as a newlywed in 1938. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard M. Swanson, who died in 1976. Growing up during the Great Depression set her standard for hard work, frugality, determination, independence, loyalty to family and friends, and her ability to make an unsurpassed lemon meringue pie. She was an avid gardener. Irene was proud of her association with the start of the Loaves & Fishes program in the Beaverton area. Friends and patrons of the Stuhr Senior Center knew Irene was always ready to meet newcomers or to be a fourth at the bridge table. She was a longtime, active member of Bethel United Congregational Church. Irene is survived by her children, LaDene York (Frank), Dixie Elliott, and Richard Swanson (Sue); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Hearthstone of Beaverton and Odyssey Hospice for their exceptional care. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, in Bethel UCC, 5150 S.W. Watson St., Beaverton, OR 97005. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the following: The Stuhr Center Foundation for class scholarships or Bethel Church Micro Loan Ministry.