Judith Daun Swager

On November 26th, Judith Daun Campbell Swager received the call to rejoin her family, friends, and pets for an eternal reunion. She has left her illness behind and is now enjoying the freedom to laugh again. Her best friends from the Fremont Class of 1956 are together again. Her mother and father, Glenn and Annabell were waiting, as well as a herd of dogs and a cat named Boots. It is rumored that everyone in heaven is afraid of Boots, too.

Those left behind will miss her sense of style and love of all things beautiful. Judy always had a garden full of color, a kitchen with a piece of pie for you, and a new project to share.

Never one to take no for an answer, Judy found her way back to college
at age 28. She graduated with honors from both Purdue for her undergrad and Indiana University for her Masters, making Old Oaken Bucket Day one to celebrate no matter who won. She was a Colts fan, loved the pageantry of the Indianapolis 500, and she wore her 5 For Foyt button religiously, although that dream never came true.

Dreams that did come true? She had two daughters that loved her dearly. She found rescue dogs made the best companions and helped two very lazy greyhounds retire in style. Her two grandchildren grew up to be outstanding adults. And the election turned out just the way she wanted.

Anyone who knew Judy knew that she always said what she felt. That trait helped her excel at her job with the Indiana Department of Rehabilitation where she helped many people with disabilities find training and work to be self-sufficient and self-confident. “I can’t do that” was never in her vocabulary, and she didn’t accept it from others easily.

That is why when COVID found its way into her home, she was sure she would beat it. But this time, her determination could not overcome the virus. She left the world peacefully on Thanksgiving Day.

Judy left behind her two daughters, Diane Hansell of Petoskey, Michigan and Cheri DeHaan of Indianapolis, two grandchildren, Michelle Myers of Chicago and Jake DeHaan (Lauren) of Indianapolis, and a brother, David Campbell (Linda) of Battle Creek, Michigan.

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring when family and friends can gather safely. Memorials can be made in her name to Greyhound Pets of America Indianapolis (gpaindy.org).