Ellen Carolyn Swanson

SWANSON, OLAVISON, SPARKS, CLAUSEN

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 5/29/2009 at 13:28:29

Ellen Carolyn Swanson, 64, of Iowa City, passed away on Tuesday May 26, 2009 at her home after a long and brave battle against metastastic breast cancer.

Ellen was born on December 3, 1944 in Baltimore, MD to Vernie Clifford and Ruby Olavison Swanson. She attended Richmond High School in Richmond, IL and received a BS in Food and Nutrition from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. She completed her Dietetic Internship in 1968 at the University of Iowa Hospital and continued to work there as a Registered Dietician until her retirement in 2001.

During her career Ellen served as an administrative dietitian and production manager in the main kitchen until 1975. Ellen was especially proud of having developed the Selective Menu Program for patients. As a Clinical Dietitian, Ellen worked in the departments of orthopedics, dermatology, neurosurgery and neurology. Ellen also worked closely with the Speech Pathology Department to develop dysphagia diets and instructional materials for patients. Ellen mentored and taught numerous dietetic and medical interns and cared for many patients. Ellen’s goal was to treat her patients as she would want to be cared for.

Ellen was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and enjoyed attending several Bible study groups. She was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading and gardening. Ellen was an avid researcher of her Swedish genealogy and heritage. Ellen enjoyed many close friendships and was a loving friend who made the world a better place with her kind and generous spirit. Ellen’s “family” was her miniature poodles who she dearly loved. She was also an active supporter of the World Vision Organization and The Heifer Project.

Ellen is survived by her paternal aunt, Marjorie N. Swanson of Rockville, MD, relatives: Judy Sparks of Arizona and Gerry Clausen of Hills, IA and her loving poodle, Molly. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and her dogs, Angel, Amigo 1, Amigo 2 and Pepper.

In lieu of flowers, Ellen requests that donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church, The Iowa City Public Library and Iowa City Hospice.