Bernice Marie Swanson, 90, of Palos Park, IL died peacefully in her sleep June 28, 2021, next to her husband of 68 years, Ralph Gilbert Swanson.
She was born on January 29, 1931 to the late Otto Lester Fuller and Dorothy Amelia Bartels Fuller.
She received her RN in nursing in 1952 from Moline Public Hospital.
Bernice married Ralph Gilbert Swanson on October 11, 1952 at the Evangelical Church of Peace in Rock Island, IL. She is survived by her husband, Ralph, her four children: Bradley (Anne Vande Ven), Susan Kay Freund (Henry), Paul (Sharon Sirotzki) and Marcia Lyn Swanson Schattauer (Paul); 13 grandchildren: Ruthanne (Michael Pitts), James, Matthew (Tiffianie Bui), Sarah Zuniga (Richard), Emily, Mark, Eric, Candace, Spencer and Lucas; great grandson, Stellan Pitts; foster son Daniel Madden (Janet Capovilla); and foster grandsons: Sam, Alex (Irania Rangel) and Joseph, and her sister, Eleanor. She was preceded in death by her brother Otto Fuller and two children, Krista Marie and Richard Allan.
Bernice practiced nursing for over 50 years, working from the maternity ward to nursing homes, including a time at an allergist office. She loved nursing so much that she did not retire until she was 78 years old.
Bernice and Ralph bought a cottage in 1968 where they enjoyed entertaining family, friends and relatives. Bernice loved spoiling her children and grandchildren at the cottage, cooking favorite meals and preparing favorite desserts, like Rhubarb pie.
She welcomed friends and family of the children and grandchildren with a few house rules: no smoking, prayer before eating, no wet suits at the table, must have a shirt at the table, no hats at the table, and the most important of all, don’t get caught in bed unwed. The cottage is a very special place for the Swanson clan. Bernice was the matriarch that brought us all together. You always knew what was on her mind and where you stood with Bernice. She loved us all fiercely and in turn we loved her too. She will be missed!
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday August 14th, 2021 at Peace Memorial Church,10300 West 131st St. Palos Park, IL. from 9:30 am until 11:00. The Celebration of Her Life Service will begin at 11:00 am also at Peace Memorial Church. Memorials in her name may be made to Peace Memorial Church or to Loras Fund at Peace Village,10300 Village Circle Dr, Palos Park, IL.
Thank you for kindly remembering Bernice in your thoughts, heart and prayers.
Memorial Service Arrangements entrusted to Debbie Zefran Jerry Funeral Director.
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