Florence M. Swanson, 74, a 59-year resident of Elgin and formerly of Chicago, died of complications from cancer Tuesday, Feb. 29, in Sherman West Court nursing home in Elgin. Mrs. Swanson, a Chicago native, was a retail sales clerk and a display advertiser for the former Joseph Speiss Department Store in Elgin during the 1960s and early 1970s. During the 1940s, she worked at the former Elgin National Watch Co. “Mom had been suffering with her illness for a long time,” said her daughter-in-law, Linda. “She put up a good fight for 12 years. She was very strong. She was devoted to her family. She was a dear, sweet friend.” Other survivors include two daughters, Cathy Warner and Geri Cadwalader; a son, Lee; two sisters, Bernice Dice and Gerri Markel; a brother, Ralph Benstein; and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m. Saturday in Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.
