Rosemary L. Swise, 102, of Peoria, formerly of Galesburg, died at 10:16 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Rosemary was born on March 28, 1920, in Galesburg, where she lived until relocating to Peoria in March of 2019 to be closer to her family. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Walter B. and Mary A. Creighton; her brothers, Jim and Pete; and her husband of nearly 65 years, Russell “Bucky” Swise.
Rosemary is survived by her four children, John (Cyndi) Swise, of Harrisville, Michigan, Sally (John) Davidson of Dunlap, Jamie (Kim) Swise of Chicago, and Tom (Adele) Swise of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rosemary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1938 and earned a B.A. from Knox College in 1942. While at Knox, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and was an active alumna of the Tri Delts following graduation. In addition, she was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Knox Fifty-Year Club, Sorosis of Galesburg, The Hawthorne Club, International Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood, as well as Yoga group, Friendship Club, and various Bridge groups.
Rosemary was an elementary school teacher at Cook, Hitchcock, and Bateman schools in Galesburg. She had great love for her students, many of whom kept in touch with her throughout her retirement years.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg, with Naomi Law, friend and fellow educator, officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knox College. Online condolences for the family may be made on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
