Dolores Eileen Swatsley

MADISON-Dolores E. Swatsley, age 96, passed away on, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on April 25, 1917, in Darien, the daughter of John and Eliza Swatsley. Dolores graduated from Delavan High School and continued her education at Whitewater State Teacher’s College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in primary education. She was a teacher in Bonduel, Wisc., Ortenville, Mich., and Delavan, Wisc. for nine years. In 1947, Dolores went into nurse’s training at Madison General Hospital for three years. Following graduation, she taught nursing at Madison General Hospital while working on her master’s degree in counseling and guidance at the UW-Madison. In 1955, she took the position of assistant director of nursing at Mendota State Hospital. After taking a leave of absence in 1957, to get a MA in psychiatric nursing from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., she returned to Mendota State Hospital to become the director of nursing for 20 years. She was an extensive traveler to Africa, South America, Europe, Mexico, and Australia. Dolores was an active member of Bashford United Methodist Church in which she chaired their annual bazaar for 35 years. She was also a member of the Soroptimist Club and the Red Hats of Madison. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Thelma Stockman; and brother, John Swatsley. A Celebration of her Life will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North Street, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. Burial will be held in Delavan. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bashford United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A Celebration of her Life will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North Street, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.