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BORN
1958
DIED
2016
Valerie Swanson Obituary
Valerie Swanson, 57, of Phoenix was taken up to heavenly glory to be with her Lord and Savior on August 8, 2016. She fought a valiant battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer the past 19 months. Her courage and brave spirit were an inspiration to all. She was born on October 7, 1958 in Portland, OR. She grew up in Phoenix, went to Scottsdale High School, and graduated with honors from Mesa Community College. Valerie was a legal secretary over 35 years serving law firms in Phoenix, Durango and Denver. Her passions included a love of animals, notably horses and her beloved Westland Highland terriers. She enjoyed acting and singing in numerous community theater plays and musicals while living over 20 years in Durango and Denver, CO. She was active in her Christian church praise teams and choirs, and bible studies. She loved family gatherings, being an aunt, playing card and board games, and reminiscing on her happy youth. Valerie cherished all who survived her: Bobbie her mother, sister Elaine and husband Jack of Queen Creek, brother Eric and wife Karen, and brother Leif of Phoenix; 5 dearly loved nieces and nephew: Nicole (Steve), Janelle, Noelle, Leah (Caleb), and Taylor. She was preceded in death by her father Duane. Valerie, a fun-loving person, will be missed by all her family and friends, but will be joyfully remembered. A service celebrating Valerie's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Bethany Bible Church, 6060 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix. Memorials may be made to Pancreatic Action Network, www.pancan.org, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, 85014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Valerie Swanson
Cindy Poinsett
November 13, 2016
Valerie and I were good friends in Durango and I helped her move to Denver. We lost touch many years ago but I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. Valerie was such a beautiful person inside and out. We both were legal secretaries, loved theatre, horses, and sharing our bad dating stories. I help her find Teddy -- her first Westie. My condolences to her family.
Dana Catt
October 18, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Valerie's illness and passing. I knew her from the Hogan firm in Denver and enjoyed working with her. She loved her dogs, family, and performing. So sad.
Beverly Mendicello
October 10, 2016
I sang with Valerie at West Bowles Community Church. She had a beautiful voice and sang for the Lord. I am saddened to learn today of her passing in August. My condolences to the family.
Steve and Linda Hoffmann
August 28, 2016
You are home now no more pain.
Ned
August 27, 2016
Peace be with all who loved Valerie. Love to the family.
Bonnie Evans
August 13, 2016
I didn't know Valerie very long, she had moved into her new home, and we met shortly afterwards. We both loved our dogs and would meet and talked at times on walks in the neighborhood. She told me shortly after she received her diagnosis, she was a very strong private person. I wish she would have beat this ugly disease but I know she is at peace now. God bless her and her family.
Bonnie
Steve & Linda Hoffmann
August 13, 2016
I did not know her face to face. I knew of her through her brother Eric. He would talk to Steve and I about her struggle with her Cancer.
All the Swanson's have a strong faith base so I know that Valerie is at peace and the pain is gone. She is in heaven with her Dad. Where there is no more pain.
Lee Godfrey
August 11, 2016
I met Valerie in Durango in 1991 at a horse barn. She and I rode our horses all over those Rocky Mountains and became fast friends. Our children were elementary age and she quickly became an adopted aunt. She was a wonderful role model for them and they have always respected her determination, intelligence, and drive. I will sorely miss her sharp sense of humor and her ringing laugh. Valerie, I know you are in heaven with our beloved "ponies". The Godfrey family will miss you and we send our heartfelt condolences to your family.
Jamie Wolf
August 10, 2016
Valerie was a beautiful shining member of the Highlands Church Choir and I will treasure fond memories of her for a long time! So sad to hear this news - prayers for her family.
Adrienne Rensink
August 10, 2016
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Valerie was a good friend and her presence in this world will be missed.
Kate van Houten
August 10, 2016
I am truly heartbroken to hear of Valerie's passing. I have so missed her in my life, and now know it will only be in the next when we will meet again. My condolences to her dear family and friends. Valerie was a wonderful coworker and friend. We had many lunchtime laughs, and shared a lot of tears as well. Again, I am heartbroken that this lovely actress on the stage of life is not with us anymore. May she rest in peace. ~
Sue Frederiksen
August 10, 2016
I was very sad to hear of Valerie's passing. I know she battled hard! I met Valerie at Highlands Church in Denver. What a wonderful friend and person! I was disappointed when she moved from Denver but knew how happy she was to get back to Arizona to her family! My prayers are with her friends and family. We will all miss her.
Cristina Daniels
August 10, 2016
I first met Valerie back in 1989 when we worked together at Lewis and Roca in Phoenix. We quickly became friends and remained friends ever since. She was like a sister to me. I find it hard to imagine what the years ahead will be like without her there. I know she is in the arms of her Lord, and is joyfully reunited with her father, Duane, whom she lost earlier this year to cancer. Rest in eternal peace, my dear sweet friend.
Mona Wolfe
August 10, 2016
I worked Valerie in Denver. I remember her as a warm, funny, graceful woman who was a joy to be around. She will be missed dearly. My condolences to her friends and family.
Rossanna Patricelli
August 10, 2016
I worked and laughed with Valerie and was privileged to see her perform in community theater. I know how much she loved her puppies and her family -- a love that surely is embracing her love ones from beyond. My sympathies to the Swanson family. As I type, I can still hear her laughter and see her smile. ---- Rossanna Patricelli
Kelly Ackerman
August 10, 2016
I am blessed to have known Valerie. She was such a kind, talented person. I worked with Valerie at a law firm in Denver and we became close friends. My son and I went to almost all of her musicals. We consider ourselves lucky to have known Valerie. I am grateful she was with her family in Arizona in the end. She will be missed.
August 10, 2016
Valarie was a beautiful women. I will miss her. She was such a happy giving person. Swanson family, you have my deepest sympathy. Yvette Wellborn (Jacques)
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