Obituary of Nancy Anne Swanson

Nancy (Belz) Swanson passed away suddenly on August 20, 2013 at Dominican Hospital. She was 77. Nancy was born on April 26, 1936 in Oak Park, Illinois. She was a graduate of Emerson Grade School, Oak Park River Forest High School, William Woods College and Culver Stockton College where she received her Bachelor's Degree. She also held a Master's Degree from the University of LaVerne. She was also certified as a Learning Resource Center Director after having done post-graduate work at Illinois Benedictine University. Nancy spent 23 years in education as a primary grade teacher and Learning Center Resource Director. Nancy met her future husband, Ralph Swanson, of Joliet, IL at Culver Stockton College. They were married in July of 1960. She lived much of her life in Clarendon Hills, Illinois and Lombard, Illinois before moving to Santa Cruz County in 1992 to be near her children and grandchildren. Nancy loved plants and anything associated with the beach and ocean. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marguerite, in 1967, her father, Alfred, in 1981, and a son, Scott, in 1961. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ralph of Santa Cruz, sister, Lindy of Downers Grove, IL, her son, Charles of San Francisco, her daughter, Cynthia of Santa Cruz and two grandchildren, Cara and Connor. Nancy's request will be honored as she will be laid to rest in Forest Park, IL, next to Scott her first born who died in infancy. A private family viewing was held in Santa Cruz on August 22. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel to light a candle or express your condolences to Nancy's family.