Janis M. Swendrowski

Janis May Swendrowski, 86, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on July 17, 2025. She was born December 15, 1938, in Schofield, Wisconsin, daughter to Frank and Dorothy Hack. She went on to marry the love of her life, Donald (Don) Swendrowski, in South Milwaukee, WI on April 29, 1961 and quickly set out to build their life together over what turned out to be their 64 years of marriage. Jan’s strong spirit and generous heart shaped every role she embraced in life — as a devoted wife to Don, a loving mother to Cindi and Chris, a cherished grandmother ("Grammy"), and most recently, a proud great grandmother. She was the heart of her family, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love. Her joyful nature and unwavering support were a constant source of comfort and connection to those around her.

Jan’s kindness extended far beyond her family. She nurtured deep friendships over the years — often found laughing over card games with her close-knit circle or tending to her beloved garden. She especially took pride in her raspberry bushes, the key ingredient in her famous raspberry pie.

Her generous spirit also reached into her community and her faith. A long-time parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1976, Jan served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister. She was an active member of her cherished women’s charity group, “The Thalians,” known for both their service to local women’s and children’s shelters and their joyful traditions — including their annual Halloween luncheon, where witches’ hats were worn with a smile.

Jan also gave back as a Girl Scout leader for many years, guiding young girls with the same care and compassion she gave her own family. Her deep love for her grandchildren was evident in every thoughtful gesture — from attending every milestone to saving a Christmas ornament each year to gift them for their first tree, a treasured tradition they’ll carry forward.

Holidays with Jan were truly magical. Her Christmas dinners, traditional ham, and Polish sausage, competitive Easter egg dying contests became beloved family rituals that will be remembered and cherished for generations.

Jan's legacy is one of joy, generosity, and unconditional love — a life lived with open hands and an open heart.

She will be missed by those who loved her most – her husband of 64 years, Donald; her children Cynthia Swendrowski and Christine (Phillip) Mohr; her grandchildren Maxwell (Morgan) Mohr, Maddelyn (Brian) Enriquez, and Peyton Mohr; and her newest addition - great grandchild, Brooks; sisters Evelyn Fawley, Betty (John) Frieders, Arlene (Don) Hintz, Lee Hack, Steve (Becky) Hack, Richard (Debby) Hack and her many nieces and nephews. She took solace in knowing that she will see her beloved family again in heaven.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 with a luncheon in the church following. Burial with family, on a later date, will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Remedies Renewing Lives at remediesrenewinglives.org (click on donation button). To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com