Swanke, Alice R. (Dusek)
Alice Rose (Dusek) Swanke, formerly of Newington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Brookdale Gables in Farmington. She was 95 years old. Born on May 1, 1928, in Chicago, IL, Alice was the daughter of Rudolph and Agnes Dusek. She was a graduate of St. Ludmilla High School in Chicago and went on to St. Mary's of Notre Dame, becoming the first college graduate of her family. On Valentine's Day in 1952, Alice met the love of her life Roy Leo Swanke and the two were married on July 19, 1952 and moved to Elmhurst, IL to start their family. When Roy accepted an executive position at Waring Corporation in New Hartford, CT, they settled in Newington, CT, where they raised their family. After losing Roy at age 45 in 1972, Alice became a young widow with eight children. Out of necessity, she entered the workforce, beginning at Kelly Services and then the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund (CHIF), and finally the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. She continued working there until her retirement in 1997.
Upon retirement, Alice was able to fully enjoy her love of travel, visiting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She explored places like Disneyworld, where she could see her beloved giraffes and fireworks every night, Martha's Vineyard, Branson, MO, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and a Tahitian cruise, just to name a few.
Throughout her life her relationship with Jesus was most important. From childhood at St. Ludmilla School to St. Mary's College and beyond, she never wavered in her love for Him and showed that love to her family and friends.
Alice is survived by her eight children, Roy (Bernice) of Monona, WI; John (Cathryn) of Terryville, CT; Paul (Joyce) of West Hartford, CT; Karl (Margaret) of Essex Junction, VT; Mark (Laurie) of Wayland, MA; Robert (Rosemary) of New Hartford, CT; Jeanne of Canton, CT; and Kurt (Lauri) of Colchester, CT. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Roy and her parents, Alice was predeceased by her sister, Maryann Prokes. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Gables, especially Julianna, for their conscientious care for over a decade.
There will be a Calling Hour on Thursday, (April 25), from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 145 Main St., Unionville, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Avon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alice may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 40 Rector St., 16th Floor New York, NY 10006 or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22203. Online condolences may be made at www. Sheehanhilbornbreen.com