Winona L. Swope

SWOPE, Mrs. Winona L. Kalamazoo, MI Winona passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born April 14, 1923 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a daughter of Alfred and Wilhelmina Almquist Lotz. Winona had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident, graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1941 and Kalamazoo College in 1945. Soon after, she began working as a secretary at The Upjohn Company. Her organizational skills were quickly recognized and Dr. Harold Taylor asked her to become a founding staff member of The W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Winona was united in marriage to C. James Jim Swope on October 14, 1950. As a member of the Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, Winona served on the Caring Committee. She enjoyed traveling in Europe and numerous U.S. National Parks. She relished the role of chief photographic assistant as she and Jim explored the U.S.A. and Europe in search of all things interesting and beautiful. Upon moving to Bronson Place in 1998, Winona and Jim embraced their active social life and new found friendships. Most of all, Winona will be remembered for her boundless love of family. Winona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband C. James Swope, on February 24, 2011; and sisters, Lucile VanEck and Ethelyn Franzen. She is survived by 3 children, Paul Diana Swope of Portage, John Swope of Laredo, TX, and Robert Swope David Ford of Houston, TX and several nieces and nephews. Private burial will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend Winona's memorial service taking place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at The Fountains of Bronson Place, 1700 Bronson Way, Kalamazoo, MI. All are invited to share fellowship and refreshments immediately following the service. Memorials may be directed to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.