Lyda Swanson

Lyda C. Swanson, 93, of Beach Park, IL, Went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at home. Lyda was born June 24, 1918, on Washington Island, WI. She was a member of the Bonnie Brook Baptist Church. Lyda and her first husband Ed Kiernan were formerly employed by the Swift family of Lake Forest (and others). Ed worked as a chauffeur and butler, Lyda as a housekeeper and cook. She enjoyed music and was a church organist and pianist. Lyda and her late husband Emil Swanson would often serve as a music ministry team at nursing homes around Lake County. They often hosted monthly meetings of their church group, the "Elderberries". Finally, Emil and Lyda loved vacationing at her birthplace on Washington Island, WI. Survivors include her children, Natalie (Tracy) Ester-Whitaker of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Jack (Sue) Ester of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Cheryl McNeil of Kenohsa, WI; nine grandchildren, Jeremy(Julie) Brown, Michael (Rachel) Ester, Joby (Crystal ) Ester, Tracy (David) Miracle, Shawn McNeil, Shannon (Jeremy) Picard, Brian Rossmann, Kelly Rossmann, and Ellen Marie Carlson; twelve great-grandchildren, Caden and Rylan Brown, Ashley and Ayanna Ester, Cameron Carlson, Kamryn Picard, Nick, Alec, and Hayley Miracle, Darian McNeil, Cal and Cailynn Clinge; sister-in-law, Ellen Barron of Waukegan; and son -in-law, Bill Rossmann of McHenry. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Kiernan, second husband, Clyde Ester, and then by her beloved, Emil Swanson. Also preceding are grandson, Kevin Rossmann, son-in-law, Robert McNeil; brothers-in-law, Gustave Swanson and Joseph Barron; eleven siblings which included her twin sister, and step-son, William C. Ester. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011,from 10:00- 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion , with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Glover, officiating. Interment will be private for the family.