Obituary of Rae A. Swanson

Rae A. Swanson, 85, of Libertyville passed away December 3, 2019 in Libertyville.  Rae was born in Chicago where she grew up and went to Austin High School.  Rae was an active and involved student.  She wrote for the school newspaper and demonstrated her school spirit twirling the baton at events and in parades.  Rae was a talented dancer, she loved tap and ballet.  In fact, Rae spent many years teaching children to dance.  She was also very active in local Women’s Clubs.

Rae met her lifelong love and devoted partner Don at Austin High.  They were married at Fort Campbell Kentucky while Don was in military service.  For the past 50+ years, they made Libertyville their home, bringing up a family of four children.  Rae was very proud of them all.  Rae is survived by three of her four children Robert (Sunjoo) Swanson, Ret. USAF Col. David (Nancy) Swanson and Lori (Robert) Knecht; 10 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; along with numerous good and dear friends.  Rae was preceded in death by her husband Don and her son Donald M. Swanson.

Her first child, named Donald after his father, was born with Down Syndrome.  Rae would say that, “in those day the doctors recommended institutionalizing special needs children.”  But Rae and Don would have nothing of it.  In addition to providing a very supportive home for Don and his friends, Rae became active in developing services for special needs children.  Her efforts were foundational to the betterment of the Down Community and today, both the Countryside Association for People with Disabilities and the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) are enduring legacies of her passion.

Rae’s family will receive friends December 13 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM for visitation at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place.  The memorial service to follow.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in Rae’s name to SRACLC at 290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.  Funeral information (847) 362-2626.  Sign guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com