By Vickie Denning, Communications Director
TVLC is filled with remarkable people. Because of the number and size of our services, we often miss out on meeting folks or having the opportunity to get to know them. Today we’ll meet Jolene Swanson.
About you?
Jolene Swanson is a lively and joyful 86-year-old who was born and raised in Dodge City and Great Bend, Kansas. She is a fourth-generation wheat farmer. Jolene has two “loving and kind” daughters.
Jolene met her husband, Gordon Lutz, at the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) and they wed before her senior year. Jolene earned a BA in Education. After graduation, the couple moved to Phoenix where Gordon worked in banking and Jolene taught art in middle school. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer, was born there. Later, Gordon was transferred to Tucson, where their younger daughter, Malinda, was born.
Jolene returned to Kansas after she and Gordon divorced. She later moved to Denver and managed large apartment complexes.
In Denver, Jolene met Norm Swanson and they married. After 4 years together, Norm suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Soon after, Jolene’s 3-year-old grandson, Ian, fell into their swimming pool and drowned.
During this time of pain, guilt, sorrow, and fear, Jolene and Norm began attending TVLC. Jolene remembers the welcome and guidance provided by Pastor Nausin.
A TVLC stroke support group was created by a member and Norm and Jolene felt loved and supported. Jolene says, “The joy of life with God came from our TVLC community.” Later, Jolene assumed leadership of the TVLC Support Group and the group expanded to serve the community with referrals from TMC, St. Joseph’s, and St. Mary’s. Eventually the hospitals formed their own groups to provide support for their patients.
Jolene was also a key volunteer in opening the TVLC Cactus Café. She painted the room, made table cloths, and coordinated donations to finish and furnish the room. Breakfast was served every Sunday at 8:00am creating fellowship opportunities.
Hobbies?
Jolene loves living in Tucson and the relationships she has formed with strong, loving women. She became a member of Pi Beta Phi alumnae, Garden Club, Junior League and Catalina Junior Women’s Club. Jolene was heavily involved in volunteering with the groups to improve the Tucson community.
Favorite TVLC memories?
Jolene says her “number one joy is TVLC.” She continues to add to her wealth of memories. She says the women she sits with on Sunday are her “Pew Pals.” They meet weekly for coffee, discuss Sunday’s sermon, and share books. Jolene is thankful for Pastor Josh and Pastor Stephen and the guidance and hope they have provided to TVLC during the pandemic. Jolene looks to the future with hope that a senior center is built on the back lots. She’s ready to put a deposit on her room with a view of the mountains!
Have you enjoyed getting to know Jolene a little bit better? Can we share your story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact VickieDenning@tvlc.org
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