Joanne Swan

1929 - 2025

Joanne Swan
Born: December 24, 1929 in Princeton, IL
Died: December 1, 2025 in Princeton, IL
Princeton - Joanne "Jo" Conley Swan, 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Liberty Village in Princeton, IL.
Joanne was born on December 24, 1929, in Princeton, IL, to the late Clarence Conley and Edith Holman Conley. She graduated from Princeton High School with the Class of 1947 and later continued her education with additional college courses at IVCC.
Joanne met the love of her life, Roger Neal Swan, in Princeton, they married on May 15, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on faith, devotion, and deep affection. They shared 70 years of marriage before Rogers passing in 2019.
Over the years, Joanne dedicated herself to service and community. She worked as the County Board Secretary in the County Clerk's Office at the Bureau County Courthouse. She also served as a remote reporter for the Peoria Journal Star. Her life reflected a profound love for people, learning, and her hometown.
A lifelong and deeply committed member of the First United Methodist Church, Joanne shared her musical gifts generously for more than 40 years as the church organist. She also sang in the choir, played both handbells and chimes, and was the director of the Elm City Bells at FUMC. Her presence in the music ministry enriched countless worship services, weddings, funerals, holidays, and community celebrations.
Joanne's passion for service extended far beyond the church walls. She was an active member of Friends in Council, DAR, United Methodist Women, FUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry, the Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of the Library, YCBF, and multiple bridge clubs. She had the honor of being a recipient of the FUMC Choir Candle Award and served as Grand Marshal of the Princeton Homestead Festival Parade with Roger. She participated in the Bureau County Chorus, Community Concerts, and Homestead Festival Plays.
A woman of boundless energy and curiosity, Joanne embraced life with enthusiasm. Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, golf, cross-country skiing, fishing, running 5Ks, bike riding all over town, reading, music, and baking-especially her famous brownies. She was a lifelong learner whose creativity and zest for life inspired everyone who knew her.
Surviving are her four children: Christy (Cal) Gramer of Princeton, IL, Tom Swan of DeKalb, IL, Tim (Connie) Swan of Westmont, IL, Jennifer (Robert) Merth of Princeton, IL; Her beloved grandchildren: Noah Grove, Ethan (Sarah Joynt) Grove, Tiffany Grove, Caley Grove, Nick Merth, Chelsea (Charles) Labozzetta, Kylie (Kyle) Minden, Austin (Allison) Swan, Conner Swan, Carsen Swan, Carrie (Brook) Predeger, and Andy (Brooke) Gramer; Great-grandchildren: Kamera, Jarred, Matthew, Kira (Gabe), Lina, Noah Jr., Kaitlyn, Finn, Reid, Quillan (Stephanie), Verity, Mannix, Leopold, Xavier, Elvio, and Evan; Great-great-grandchildren: Elias, Ivan, and Emilia; one sister, Marcia (Bob) Hudson as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones who cherished her.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Edith Conley; her husband, Roger Swan; her brothers Max and Doug; and her sister, Doris.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. 701 E Thompson St, Princeton, IL.
Funeral services will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton, officiated by Pastor Michael Hickok, music accompaniment Charlie GeBeck organist, Clare Suarez, and Victoria Yepsen vocalist, as well as a dedication from the Elm City Bells.
Graveside services to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton IL with pastor Hickok offering a few words of comfort.
Pallbearers: Cal Gramer, Austin Swan, Conner Swan, Kyle Minden, Robert Merth and Ethan Grove.
Honorary Pallbearers: Tom Swan and Tim Swan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Princeton, IL.
Online condolences may be shared at www.norbergfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.