Helen Swender

Helen Swender passed away peacefully February 20, 2023.  She was born in 1925 in Syracuse, NY to Lazar and Jennie Elioff.  She met the love of her life, John “Fred” Swender, they were married upon his return from serving during WWII as a Navy Seabee.  Their marriage was strong and they were dedicated to each other and their family for 64 years, until Fred passed away 2010.

Helen retired from the New York State Police Troop T where she worked as a secretary for many years.  Helen and Fred were avid SU fans, especially football, where they were season ticket holders for many years.  She enjoyed wintering in Florida, sewing, and painting. Most of all, she loved spending time surrounded by her ever growing family. 

Helen is survived by daughter, Janice (Rodney) Wescott of Fremont, NY, son John F. Swender of Hamilton Square, NJ and daughter Helen (Lex) Joseph of Fayetteville, NY. She also has eight grandchildren, Lynn Marie (Jimi) McIlvain, Denise (Wayne) Dam, Jennifer (Brian) VanAllen, Renee(Michael) Flynn, John H. Swender, Stephanie (Michael) MacFarland, Alex Joseph (Jenn DeLuca), Nicole (Christopher) Andreu, and Olivia Joseph (Brian Cain),11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Saturday Feb 25th at 10am at Mathewson-Forani Funeral Home, Inc., 206 Kinne Street, E. Syracuse, NY. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday Feb 24th from 4-7pm  at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Helen”s name to the American Cancer Society.

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