Gertrude H. Swanson

Gertrude Hazel (Dwinell) Swanson, of Needham, and formerly of Jamaica Plain and Dracut, died peacefully January 29, 2011 at the Briarwood Healthcare Center in Needham with her daughters at her side.  She was 89.  Gertrude was born January 8, 1922 in Dracut, Massachusetts, the only daughter of Ira A. and Florence H. (Eklund) Dwinell.  Gertrude grew up in Dracut and graduated from Dracut High School with the Class of 1940.  Her daughters described her as an avid reader who never failed to read the daily newspaper from cover to cover.  She was also a letter writer, keeping in contact with her friends and family with frequent written correspondance.  She also had a passion for felines; she loved her cats.  Gertrude was the beloved wife of the late Nils Malkolm Swanson, and the sister of the late Frederick C. Dwinell.  She is survived by her two loving daughters, Carla M. Reveliotty, and her husband Michael C., of Dover, MA, and Christina F. Ilsley, and her husband Stephen R., of West Roxbury; and her three dear grandchildren, Alex Reveliotty of Los Angeles, CA, Graham Ilsley of West Roxbury, and Christian Ilsley of West Roxbury.  Following Gertrude’s wishes, a Memorial Service will be held in the Spring when the lilacs are in bloom.  Interment will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Littleton, Masachusetts.  In lieu of flowers donations to the MSPCA/Angel Memorial, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 would be appreciated.  Getrude’s family extends deep gratitude and thankfulness to the staff at Briarwood for the compassionate and loving care she received and for the many new friends made while Gertrude resided at Briarwood Healthcare in Needham.  They are most grateful.