Evelyn Ione Breckey Swenson

She was born to Sever and Hilda (Fjug) Breckey on October 12, 1929 in Williston, ND and was raised in Tioga, ND where she attended the Tioga Public Schools graduating as Valedictorian. Music was always an important part of her life. When in high school she was pianist at the Zion Lutheran Church and participated in other musical activities. While attending Augsburg College in Minneapolis,MN she sang with the Augsburg College Choir then transferred to Minot State College, where she participated in Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, graduated with honors and a degree in education.

In 1950 she married Lloyd A. Swenson. They lived in Williston, ND where they raised their three children, Linda, Susan and Brian. Evelyn was a leader in many different community organizations as well as First Lutheran Church. She taught piano lessons and was very involved in the lives of her children, husband and friends.

In 1969 her family moved to Ellensburg, WA where she was the Assistant Program Director at Career Planning and Placement for Central Washington University. Several years later they moved to Lewiston, ID where she began her 17 year career with the Idaho Department of Employment. Her career continued with the DOE in Boise, ID where she held several positions and received many commendations.

In 1994 Evelyn and Lloyd retired to Kennewick, WA to be near their daughter, Susan. After the death of her husband, Evelyn attended the Cathedral of Joy and moved to Yakima in 2008 to be near Susan.

Evelyn is survived by daughter Linda Swenson Baker and grandson Michael Baker (Abbie Husman) of Easley, SC, daughter Susan Swenson (Steve Crow) of Yakima, WA and son Brian Swenson (Pauline Zolp) of Beecher, IL. She is also survived by a sister Avanelle Breckey Jaeger (Robert), three nephews Brad, Paul, Scott and families. She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her parents and foster sister Hazel.

There will be a private memorial gathering at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Cottage in the Meadow in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

To share a memory of Evelyn, please visit www.keithandkeith.com