Helen Swain
Helen Adelle Wheeler Swain of Seymour, Indiana, died peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025, at the age of 92.
She was born June 3, 1932, in Appleton, Wis. to Ward O. Wheeler and Helen Diderrich Wheeler.
Helen's passion for music emerged early, showcased during her high school years at Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she not only sang with the Robed Choir but also accompanied the choir on piano.
She attended Carleton College and Western Michigan University before working at Wheeler Roll Company (manufactur-ers of paper mill machinery) in Kalamazoo, Mich. from 1952-55, and as office manag-er at Seymour Animal Hospital from 1957-58.
Helen and Bill Swain met at their families' summer cottages in Three Lakes, Wis. After quickly falling in love, they married on October 15, 1955, in Kalamazoo remaining soulmates for 67 years until Bill's death in 2022.
Helen, a vibrant community leader and dedicated arts advocate, was an effective force in the Seymour community, where Bill always supported and helped her endeavors—wisely learning early in their marriage that Helen's ideas, while seemingly outlandish, were usually brilliant. Her leadership roles included Director and President of the Seymour Girls Club, Presbyterian Church choir director, Co-Founder and President of the Seymour Arts Guild, County Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party, and Director and President of the Seymour Heritage Foundation. Under her guidance, the Heritage Foundation restored the Carter House (the oldest standing home in Seymour) and she co-chaired the restoration of the Farmer's Club, now on the National Register of Historic Places and home of the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce.
Her leadership extended to Three Lakes whereas Director and President of the Three Lakes Historical Society, she oversaw the relocation of an old log schoolhouse to the Three Lakes Museum property, and brought the gazebo, concert series and fish boil to town. Helen and Bill were also co-owners of the Black Forest Inn in Three Lakes, a New Orleans style jazz and comedy club. Helen's blue eyes twinkled with her feisty personality and witty sense of humor. She of-ten recited poetry and limericks from memory and was known for her curiosity and keen observational skills. She embraced innovation and encouraged others to try new things. She completed the daily newspaper crossword puzzles (always in ink), was artistic and creative, with a love of playing piano, and she adored classical music and opera— The Mi-kado being her favorite.
A social person who cherished family gatherings and interactions with her grandchildren, Helen always had dogs by her side, with a special fondness for whippets. Her spirited nature remained until the end. In the spirit of Helen's love for witty limericks: There once was a lady named Helen Whose spirit was always compellin' With charm and with grace She brightened each place Leaving stories too good for the tellin' Helen is survived by her children, Catherine (Victor) Patrick of Cornwall, England, Deborah (Scott) Boyd of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and Jonathan (Debra) Swain of Indianapolis. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Carrie, Ryan, Anita, Ellen, Meghan, Jacob, and Emily; as well as seven great-grandchildren—all of whom have inherited a spark of Helen's indomitable spirit!
A "Gathering of Friends" will be held at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour, Indiana on Saturday, April 12, from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Helen would likely note that any gathering in her honor should include laughter, stories, and perhaps a bit of jazz. The burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Helen and Bill Swain Community Endowment at The Community Foundation of Jackson County and mailed to P.O. Box 1231, Seymour, IN 47274. As
Helen might say, "Flowers wilt, but a good endowment keeps on giving"! Memorial donations may also be made to Three Lakes Historical Society and Museum, P.O. Box 250, Three Lakes, WI 54562.
You are invited to visit our website, vossfuneral-service.com, to leave condolences, order flowers, or share a memory. PAID OBITUARY
