Patricia A Swanson

Every day across America, there are thousands of obituaries appearing in U.S. newspapers, all of them celebrating a well-lived and important life. All of them largely look back on what was done, accomplished, created, and loved. The life of Patricia Ann Swanson, who passed away peacefully in Evansville on November 29, 2021, deserves no less, but it also offers lessons that can enrich the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Patty Swanson used her life largely to honor and elevate others. Her career as a print journalist in Indiana and Ohio spanned over 40 years, with much of her work focusing on education and local law enforcement. She was a deeply respected journalist who was trusted by peers, sources, and the public at large. Largely because of her work and reputation, she ran for and was twice elected to the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation. She believed mightily in education and honored the work and expertise of the teachers and administrators she represented. She was a strong and early supporter of the University of Southern Indiana and worked to highlight the massive contributions that USI made in Indiana and the midwest. She was deeply honored and touched by the support and trust her community placed in her as a reporter, school board member, and social justice advocate.

Mrs. Swanson was a tireless advocate for social justice and sought to ennoble those who have been historically marginalized in American society. She participated in civil rights marches, worked to advocate for respectful and inclusive treatment of the LGBTQ community, and strongly supported women’s rights and the elevation of women into leadership positions.

She was a staunch believer in civility and respectful political discourse. She forged alliances and friendships among colleagues with whom she fervently disagreed. She rejected the destructive notion that any public servant could make great a nation by tearing down its citizens.

If the hallmark of a life is to leave those around us better off than we would have been in our absence, Patricia Swanson succeeded mightily.

She is survived by her son, Paul Swanson (Dianne); sisters Barb (Paul) Kriger and Shirley (Jim) Benko; nephews J.D. Benko (Paul), Brian (Kim) Krieger, and Dan (Joy) Benko; and niece Jennifer (Mike) Fuller.

The family wishes to thank the staff at both Holiday Health Care and the Heritage Center, particularly staff members Kenya and Sonia, for the love and dignified care in Mrs. Swanson’s final days.

A memorial service for Mrs. Swanson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church of Evansville. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana. Additionally, the family invites the readers of this obituary to commit to doing one act of kindness for a stranger, as that is the life that Mrs. Swanson lived for all of her years.