Carolyn Swoboda, 75, formerly of Plano, IL, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2020, despite having an endless supply of love left in her much-used heart. She was fortunate to pass at home, in the vast cornfields northwest of Earlville, IL, while surrounded by her loving family and loyal dog, Winston.
Carolyn was born April 26, 1945 in Evanston, IL to Stanley and Phoebe (Coppage) Barr. She found her perfect match, Thomas Swoboda, and they married on April 3, 1970. They shared over 50 years of wedded bliss together— ended by her sudden, and brief, battle with cancer.
Carolyn served as a respiratory therapist at various area hospitals over her 45-year career. She excelled at patient care and was known for her innate warmth and compassion, overt friendliness, and her natural ability to bring humor to most any situation. In the neighborhoods Carolyn resided in or frequently visited, or if we’re being honest, anywhere that she was present at that moment in time, she was sure to make meaningful (and often lasting) connections with area children and four-legged friends. ALL. OF. THEM. Ostensibly, Carolyn loved her family more than animals, but it’s a topic worthy of debate…
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Phoebe, and her brother, Tom. Caroyln is survived by her husband, Thomas; her children, Thomas “T.J.” Swoboda Jr. of North Las Vegas, NV, Mark (Naiomi) Swoboda of Plano, IL, and Katherine “Katie” (Lamont) Johnson of Henderson, NV; seven grandchildren: Lamont Jr., Charlize, Dezmin, Adam, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Mira; two brothers: Jim (Shirley) Barr and Paul (Betty) Barr; two sisters: Rosemary Claus-Gray and Patricia (Kevin) Barr English; her sister-in-law, Diane Barr; and many other nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She will be deeply missed by her family and her many, many friends, but her light and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral service at this time.
In other news, the Rainbow Bridge is temporarily closed for repair. It sustained significant damage on November 13th as a result of an animal stampede. If you wish, in lieu of flowers please make a donation in Carolyn's name to a no-kill animal shelter of your choice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Carolyn Swoboda, please visit our floral store.