Helen Stauffer Swanson

Helen Stauffer Swanson passed away peacefully on January 24, 2018. Born May 29, 1924 in Pearl, Maryland as the youngest of four children, to David Murray Stauffer and Bessie Kaufman Stauffer.

Helen was married to Captain Robert W. Swanson, U.S. Navy, Ret., for 51 years. They had two sons, Robert W. Swanson, Jr. and Murray Stauffer Swanson (Moe).

She is preceded in death by her brother, David M. Jr., and sister, Marie Hughes; her parents, her husband, her son, Murray, and her dear classmate, Bill Corun.

Helen is survived by her son, Rob, his wife Bonnie; two grandchildren Erin and Jeff Swanson, two step-grandchildren, Ryan and Jeff Lessans; her daughter-in-law, Rebecca (Becky) and her children; Jim Swanson and wife Kim; Krista and husband Derek Thompson; Sam Swanson; sister Peggy Price. Helen would like to be remembered to her dear friends David and Judy Weinberg and Hilda Sullivan.

Helen graduated from Frederick High School in 1941 and Penn Hall Jr. College in 1943. Married in 1947, Helen enjoyed her life as a Navy wife living in Frederick, Kensington, MD, Camp Lejune, NC, and Taipei, Taiwan; however, her heart was always in Frederick, where she and Robert eventually settled.

Helen was very active in the Frederick community and with her church. She was a lifetime member of Evangelical Reformed Church. She was the first woman to serve on the Board of Thurmont Bank; she was elected to a term as Judge of the Orphans Court; she served on the Board of Frederick Memorial Hospital; and she served on the Board of the Salvation Army.

In her free time she loved bridge, cooking, needlepoint, and spending time with family and friends. She loved entertaining and the door was always open for a impromptu visit. Helen was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Whether she baked you a pie or drove you to an appointment, she was always willing to help out.

The immediate family will receive friends and family at Keeney Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD on Saturday, January 27 from 4-7pm. Interment will be private.