Julie Swanson

G. Juliana "Julie" Swanson August 5, 1928 March 10, 2014 Juliana "Julie" Swanson of Waco passed away Monday, March 10, 2014. Services will be 2 p.m., Monday, March 17, at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Chapel with the Rev. John Dirk officiating. There will be a private burial at Waco Memorial Park. Julie was born August 5, 1928, to Rudolf and Bertha Juliana Kolczyk in Buffalo, New York. After completing their work in the US, Julie's parents took her back home to their native Germany. They lived in Berlin during World War II, and when the Allies liberated the country, Julie returned to the US alone and lived in Washington, DC. It was Julie's beautiful soprano voice that caught the attention of a young soldier who heard her singing in the church choir. Right then and there, Gordon Swanson said he was going to marry her, and on June 14, 1947, he did just that. Thus began their 66 years of marriage and dedication to one another. Julie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, an international service sorority. She was selected Girl of the Year and Chapter Sweetheart several times over the years. Julie also earned the highest honor, the Golden Rose, for fifty years of continued service. She treasured the friendships she cultivated with her sorority sisters and was thankful for all of their support over the years. Julie was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization for wives. She was elected to the highest office, Worthy Matron, while living in San Antonio. The Daughters of the Nile and their contribution to Shriners hospitals meant a great deal to Julie as well. Julie was a member of Tabeel Temple #88 in Houston and maintained that membership until the time of her death. Becoming Queen of Tabeel Temple was one of her most valued accomplishments in life. Julie and Gordon enjoyed many years traveling in their motorhome with the Good Sams RV Club and were named Good Sams of the Year in 2008. They made dear friends and special memories along the way. Julie was a member of the Waco Red Hat Society - Purple Passion Ladies. Julie and Gordon were members of Woodway First United Methodist Church since 1978, and she sang in the choir there for many years. She and her family were grateful for the visits from church staff and members over the years. Julie's greatest joy in life came from caring for her family. You could always count on finding something delicious cooking and a cookie jar full of homemade chocolate chip cookies when you visited. The family looked forward to the days she made her from-scratch chicken and noodles, carefully slicing each noodle by hand. Julie was a strong and capable woman who took pride in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She welcomed people into her home and heart with genuine kindness and hospitality. Her laugh could liven up any room, and it was always special to hear her sing in German to her great-grandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Swanson, Sr.; and her parents. Those left to carry on her legacy are a brother, Rudolf Kolczyk and wife, Monica, and their two sons, Andreas and Markus of Berlin, Germany; a daughter, Roxanne Swanson of Waco; a son, Gordon Swanson, Jr. and wife, Susan, of Waco; a daughter, Francine Spain and husband, Bruce, of Houston; grandchildren, Christina Swanson and husband, Majdi Tannous, Andrea Vranich and husband, Kevin, Tommy Swanson and fiance, Sherry, Tiffany McFarling and husband, Brent, Kylie Barbin and husband, Clay, and Jared Spain and wife, Adrianne. Julie also had eight great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. The family would like to extend special thanks to the loving staff of St. Catherine Center and to Dr. Gary Barbin for the care they provided. Thank you also to longtime caregiver, Shirley Ceja-Granados, for her love and dedication to Julie and Gordon and for the countless ways she has helped the family during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.