Patricia Kay Swanson

Patricia Kay Swanson, 97, died on September 9, 2026. She was born on February 11, 1929, to Emil and Josephine Opelka from Chicago. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Swanson. Patricia grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression. From an early age, she possessed the qualities that would define her life: warmth, optimism and a genuine interest in others. She formed close friendships as a young girl and remained a loyal and caring friend throughout her life. After a chance introduction to Raymond, Patricia married him at age 20 and soon devoted herself to raising their four children. She was a loving and encouraging mother who helped each child find a path through life. When her children were older, she worked for fifteen years at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Later, she became an attentive and joyful grandmother and great-grandmother who delighted in family trips, celebrations, recitals and conversations with every new generation. She loved to travel and visited Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe and New Zealand. She also loved watching old movies and spent hours doing jigsaw puzzles. Patricia is survived by her children and their spouses:, Richard Swanson, Nancy and Carl Vaccaro, Tom and Kathy Swanson, and Susan and Jeff Jenkins; her grandchildren, Josh, Liz, Tim, Christine, Katie, Dani, Jon and Joe; and her great-grandchildren, Owen, Aiden, Lucy, Leo, Roan and Emerson.She will be remembered for her enduring friendships, her caring nature, her ready smile and the unconditional love and encouragement she gave her family. Patricia found happiness wherever life placed her, and she brought that happiness to the people who were fortunate enough to know her. Visitation Sunday, September 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Funeral Services Begin: Monday 9:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home and will proceed to Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, Park Ridge. Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M. The burial will take place at the Town of Maine Cemetery, Park Ridge.