Yvonne L. Swanson

 AIKEN – Mrs. Yvonne Louise Kenyon Swanson, 80, beloved wife of Gordon (Gordy) Swanson, died peacefully Saturday, September 2, 2017 at her residence. Yvonne was born in Chicago, IL, daughter of the late Glenn R. and Helen M. Yaunke Kenyon.  She graduated from Phillips High School in Wisconsin and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin (UW) Superior and then a Masters degree from UW River Falls. Yvonne taught English and Reading in Wisconsin and Texas, where she was the reading specialist for the Brownsville school district. She touched countless lives as an educator, teaching those most in need.  Her students felt her passion and compassion, her impact on their lives is immeasurable. As a mother, she raised three fine boys, Glenn Swanson, Eau Claire, WI, Mark (wife Lisette) Swanson, Ellenville, NY, Brad (wife Patti) Swanson, Aiken, SC, who deeply love and miss her.  Yvonne was the light of her husband Gordy’s life, married for 60 wonderful years. Gordy was her strength, especially in her later years, as she bravely battled Parkinson’s disease. In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by five grandchildren and their spouses: Shawn (Denise), Amy (Mike), Greg (Cara), Dustin and Faith; four great grandchildren: Charlie, Landon, Lucas and Dannie; two sisters: Doris Dresell, Eau Claire, WI, and Elaine (Rudy) Ochoa, Glendale, AZ. Yvonne is preceded in death by sister Dorothy (Dottie) and granddaughter Christine, who she felt a special bond for. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 16 from 1-3 pm at Woodside Plantation Country Club in Aiken, SC. and another in Phillips, WI at a later date. SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC Yvonne’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Yvonne L. Swanson, please visit our flower store.