PATRICIA (HODGES) SWENSON

PATRICIA (HODGES) SWENSON

Cedar Rapids

Patricia (Hodges) Swenson passed away March 23, 2016, one month shy of her 70th birthday.

She was born and raised in Corvallis, Ore. In 1980, she moved to Cedar Rapids with her husband, Steve. Since moving to Iowa, Pat's life was actually a tale of two lives. For 12 years, she was a dedicated mother, sharing with her children her joy in conversation, vigorous enjoyment of reading and an overall zest for life. She read aloud with the family stories of fun, adventure and strong characters, especially the novels of J.R.R. Tolkein. She also reveled in the Halloween season, hosting a few celebrations that always focused on family fun and silly escapism.

In 1992, a sudden brain aneurysm would take her favorite things from her – her ability to read and converse – and burden her with physical disabilities. She would live this phase of her life in her own home and would prove her determination and grit by continuing to live an active life. With the help of her family and friends, she would share her enjoyment of life with others by elaborately decorating her house for every holiday season, especially, again, Halloween – she loved to see the little Trick-or-Treaters!

She is survived by her children in whom she was exceptionally proud, Shawna Hodges of Independence, Jon (Nikki) Swenson of Marquette, Mich., Susan (Chris) Osterkamp of Cedar Rapids and Julianne Swenson of Ames; her former spouse and friend 'till the end, Steve (Karen) Swenson of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren; siblings, Richard, David, Rosie, Robert, Jim and Walter; and her friend and caretaker, Shaun Reilly of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Raymond and Gladys Hodges.

The family will gather to celebrate her life at a later date.

Memorials should be directed to the Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha; they took such good care of Pat in her final days.

"A day will come at last when I shall take the hidden paths that run west of the moon, east of the sun."