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FUNERAL HOME

Schaff Funeral Service

5920 West Lincoln Avenue

West Allis, Wisconsin

Jill Swinford Obituary

Swinford, Jill 53, died February 15, 2013, with her family by her side after a brief, unexpected illness. Beloved daughter of Audrey (nee Kroll) and the late Raymond Weidensee. Beloved and cherished wife of Mark. Loving mother of Jessica Anderson and Eric Swinford. Dedicated and adoring grandmother to 9 grandchildren. Loved sister of Jacqueline Karaba, John Weidensee, Judith Laack and Patti Weidensee. She worked as a medical transcriptionist at the Milwaukee VA Hospital. Active member of St. Rita's Catholic church, former member of the West Allis Central Lion's Club and locally known piper with Celtic Nations Pipes and Drums and The Fire and Police Pipe Band. Jill was loving and always thinking of others. Her final gift is the gift of life as an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester, Michigan. Visitation will be held Tuesday at Schaff from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Vigil at 4:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at St. Rita Catholic Church S. 61st and W. Lincoln Ave., at 11:00 AM. Please meet at the church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jill Swinford

15 Entries

February 28, 2013

Dear Mark, Jessica,Eric,Audrey,and families-I just found out this evening about Jill's passing. I was just thinking about Mark and Jill tonight and wondering how they were before I got the news. My mind is flooded with high school memories,and she is in so many. It seemed like for awhile, we were always up to something-I still have a lot of the photos to prove it!: ) Jill was kind, caring, with a wickedly sharp wit- she was like a sister to me,and I was so blessed to be a part of her life for a bit. God Bless your families in the days ahead, and I will keep you in my prayers that He will comfort you.
Love to all-
Lauren Rick
(Laura Brock)

February 22, 2013

I was one of Jill's co-workers at the Zablocki VA Medical Center. We all loved having her in the unit. She had a positive outlook and was always good-natured and fun, despite her vision problems and other health issues. I will always remember her bagpipes, her leader dogs and her nice family. My deepest sympathy to the many others who will miss her.---Michael T. McCoy

February 21, 2013

I was Jill's supervisor in the VA medical transcription unit before I moved to another state. She was a very hard working, proficient med transcriptionist with a pleasant and positive attitude that made my job a joy. I will especially miss her presence at Irish Fest as she proudly played her bagpipes in the Irish Fest parade walking alongside Mark wearing their Scottish kilts. I think of you alot and may God Bless you and your dear family.

Alison Keenan

February 20, 2013

Jill was truly one of the Piper Chicks and inspired people with her playing and her beautiful soul. She was patient and kind yet had a wicked sense of humor that made her a delight to be around. She and her faithful companions were always ready to tell their story at St Theresa of Eagle Blessing of the Animals for several years. She was the gift you could keep opening. She was an inspiraton and I loved 'jammin' with her. Such a lovely lady I will never forget! I have great memories that hold a special place in my heart-thanks, Jillie

Scott and Gina Crossley

February 19, 2013

Jill was a courageous woman. How many times did I hear audience members comment on how amazing it was she played bagpipes! Sweet, full of hope and encouragement for everyone. I know she will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her.

Deborah Anderson

February 18, 2013

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

The Staff At St. Lukes

February 18, 2013

Jill became a hero on Saturday, saving the lives of many people through her gift of donation. May her spirit always be alive in everyone's lives that she touched in life and in death. She was a beautiful soul and may she rest in peace.

Susy Anderson

February 18, 2013

Jill is one of the most inspirational women I have known. She will truly be missed.

Jean Arndt

February 18, 2013

I will miss Jill's infectious smile and constant optimism. She will be missed at the celtic events where Julie and I met her. Actually, she will be missed everywhere! The good ones always are!

Kathy Macho

February 17, 2013

Although I didn't know Jill very well she was truely an inspiration. I met her at the New Berlin Walmart. I helped her with fabric. We started talking and she was such a beautiful lady with a warm smile. We talked about her sewing and crocheting and I felt like we knew each other for more than just a few minutes. In those few minutes I knew that she was a very Special person. My thoughts and prayers are also with you Mark. God has a very special angel with him now. God bless all.

February 17, 2013

I went to school with Jill and our last names put us pretty much in the same homerooms. Prayers for the family.

February 17, 2013

Jill was a very caring person and a good Lions Club Member. We will miss her. Lion Gary Jund

February 17, 2013

Jill and I worked at the Milwaukee Va until I transferred down to the North Chi VA. When Eric came home from Iraq Jill and her family had a get together for him at a local establishment. Everyone there loved Jill also! She will be missed and there hasn't been one day since I heard about what had happened that I do not think about her.
My husband and I will be there to say good bye, and to lend our support to her family.
Mary Ann and Wayne Filer

Mary Gutwein

February 17, 2013

Jill and I were inseparable in middle and high school. We called each other on our respective birthdays. She was a kind, caring, giving soul, and one of my biggest cheerleaders in life. My thoughts and prayers are with Mark, Jessica, Eric and all who mourn.

Peace to you all.

Teri Kodrich

February 17, 2013

Jill was my son's babysitter for many years and what a beautiful soul. She was always such a kind and caring person. I am so sorry for your family's loss. We are all better people for knowing Jill and her family.

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