July 16, 1929 - July 21, 2021
Arlette Eileen Sward
Age 92, resident of Lombard, IL for over 50 years. Preceded in death by beloved husband of 63 years, Lowell Sward; parents, Albert and Hilma Oberg. Survived by nieces and nephews, Ronald (Barb) Elmquist, Janet (John) Brosseau, Nancy (Robert) Anderson, Richard (Elizabeth) Sward, Lynelle Bangs, Jeff (Shannon) Sward and Amy (Nancy) Sward.
Memorials can be made to DuPage Animal Humane Society.
To Mrs. Sward’s family –
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Mrs. Sward. I grew up in the house next door to her and Mr. Sward in Lombard. She was a very kind and lovely woman. She was a good neighbor and very dear friend of my parents, especially my mother. I was glad I had the chance to see her just a few days ago when Amy invited friends and neighbors over to the house on her birthday, so that we could say Happy Birthday and wish her well as she prepared to move to Minnesota. My daughter came along too and always thought fondly of Mrs. Sward. May she rest in peace.
With my sympathies,
Lisa (Blessing) Szostak and my husband Andrew and daughter Julia
To Arlette’s Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. I grew up in the house across the street from Arlette and Lowell. My brothers couldn’t get away with anything because they knew Mrs. Sward would see what was happening. Like the time my brother Billy and his friend Danny were delivered to our house after school in a Lombard Police Squad car. They innocently came into the house like nothing happened until Arlette called to see if everything was okay— since they came home in a squad car. They had to fess up and admit they were in trouble for throwing snowballs at a school bus.
Our dog, Princess, used to go out in the morning and mom wouldn’t see her again until early afternoon. We found out years later that she was visiting Arlette and Duke on many mornings. Arlette and Lowell were always wonderful neighbors. Quick to lend a hand with fixing things. Something my dad did not have a knack for doing. My mom had endless phone conversations with Arlette and always enjoyed her company.
Arlette and Lowell knew everyone in the neighborhood because they’d go out with the dog hot a long walk after dinner.
We had a lot of discussions about Lowell chastising me for ignoring him (so he thought) when he had his first heart surgery. Actually I was the nurse caring for him in the ICU when he came out of surgery. Arlette would always tell him I was there and he’d insist he never saw me.
We also had many conversations about Minnesota where they were from and went every summer until they just couldn’t do it any longer. And my sister, one brother and I all went to college in Minnesota. So we had that connection. I enjoyed going out to lunch with Arlette the several times we did after Lowell died. And loved stopping by to visit after we moved to Glen Ellyn in 1991. I tried to stop by when I could to catch up when I’d get back to the old neighborhood. I know Arlette has missed Lowell terribly since he passed away and I’m sure they’re together again now. May she Rest In Peace. She will be missed.
Maureen Barrett daughter of Jim and Joan Barrett
To Mrs. Sward’s family, I too grew up next door to Lowell and Arlette. They were always wonderful neighbors, great friends to my parents, and good people. My Mom will miss her daily calls with Arlette. Although her body was failing at the end, her mind was still very sharp. My condolences to all of you, she will be greatly missed. May she and Lowell and their collies enjoy peace together in heaven.
Sincerely,
Skip Blessing