Janet Rose Swisshelm (née Hillen), age 90, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on June 7, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Janet lived a long and meaningful life shaped by creativity, an abiding love of nature, and deep devotion to her family.
Janet was the beloved wife of the late Orville Swisshelm and the devoted mother of four children: Julie Swisshelm (Ed Fitzsimmons), Sally Hacala, Pete Swisshelm (Katy Lynch), and Heidi Swisshelm (Rob Burleson). She leaves behind a loving family who carry her legacy forward—her grandchildren Ryan Hacala, Emily Hacala Mandrell, and Cole Grider; and her great-grandchildren Zachary Hacala, Zoe Hacala, and Willa Mandrell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; her brother, Larry Hillen; and her sisters, Mary Lou Jesionowski and Carolyn Hillen.
Janet held a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. She found joy in hiking mountain trails, soaking in hot springs, tending indoor and outdoor gardens, and collecting rocks—a pastime that reflected her ability to find beauty in small and unexpected places. A talented artisan, she devoted countless hours to shaping clay into pottery pieces that brought comfort, charm, and individuality to the homes of those she loved.
Her hands were rarely still. Whether nurturing plants or molding clay, Janet expressed her spirit through tactile creativity—pursuits that enriched her life and encouraged those around her to slow down and notice the beauty woven into everyday moments.
In honor of Janet's generosity and her compassion for all living things, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local food bank or animal shelter.
Janet was the beloved wife of the late Orville Swisshelm and the devoted mother of four children: Julie Swisshelm (Ed Fitzsimmons), Sally Hacala, Pete Swisshelm (Katy Lynch), and Heidi Swisshelm (Rob Burleson). She leaves behind a loving family who carry her legacy forward—her grandchildren Ryan Hacala, Emily Hacala Mandrell, and Cole Grider; and her great-grandchildren Zachary Hacala, Zoe Hacala, and Willa Mandrell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; her brother, Larry Hillen; and her sisters, Mary Lou Jesionowski and Carolyn Hillen.
Janet held a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. She found joy in hiking mountain trails, soaking in hot springs, tending indoor and outdoor gardens, and collecting rocks—a pastime that reflected her ability to find beauty in small and unexpected places. A talented artisan, she devoted countless hours to shaping clay into pottery pieces that brought comfort, charm, and individuality to the homes of those she loved.
Her hands were rarely still. Whether nurturing plants or molding clay, Janet expressed her spirit through tactile creativity—pursuits that enriched her life and encouraged those around her to slow down and notice the beauty woven into everyday moments.
In honor of Janet's generosity and her compassion for all living things, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local food bank or animal shelter.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janet Swisshelm, please visit our flower store.
Janet Swisshelm's Guestbook
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