Harlene F. Swanson

Harlene F. Swanson, 83, Carmel, passed away at 2:19 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital after recently being diagnosed with Pulmonary Vasculitis (Wegener’s), a rare disease.

She is survived by her three children, Eric, Karen and Kirsten; five grandchildren, Erica, Elisa and Carl Swanson and Garrick and Gabrielle Kourany; as well as her brother, Mike, of Denver, Colo.; and loving partner Don Pickett of Carmel.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Allene and Harlan Hatch, Harlene’s family moved to Chicago Heights, Ill., where she graduated from Bloom Township High School. She furthered her education at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, and received her undergraduate degree at Boston University, Boston, Mass., and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University – Purdue University (IUPUI), Indianapolis.

Harlene married Marvin Swanson in 1958 in Chicago Heights. She traveled with him to 17 countries and shared the “house parents” responsibilities for girls at Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Mass. In 1968, Harlene moved to Greencastle, where to the surprise of herself, her husband, and son, Eric, she had twins, Karen and Kirsten.

While raising a family and supporting Marvin’s busy work at DePauw University, Harlene found time to serve as director of Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP), which supported abused mothers, emergency food pantry and recycling for the community. She gained many loving and supporting friends after 14 years living in Greencastle.

In 1982, Harlene moved to Carmel as a single parent to raise her children and continue her passion for helping others. She served in many positions including staff therapist at Tri County Mental Health, director of admissions of outreach at Pleasant Run Children’s Home, clinical director at Coleman Adoption Services, associate director and recruitment and staff development lead for Marion County Child and Adolescence Services, all in the Indianapolis/Carmel regions.

Harlene was always a dedicated member of the Methodist Church, whether helping Marvin prepare for a sermon in Greencastle or leading groups at St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Upon transitioning to retirement life, Harlene became a member at Primelife Enrichment Senior Citizen Center, and led or helped with multiple fundraising events and other activities.

Most important to Harlene was her family making memories at her children’s and grandchildren’s ceremonies, celebrations and holidays. She was known to many for her personalized cards for all occasions.

In 2016, Harlene began a loving relationship with Don Pickett. She demonstrated the values of her spiritual partner with God, as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend wherever she resided.

The family is being served by Flanner Buchanan - Carmel Funeral Home and St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. St. Lukes United Methodist Church, 100 W 86th St., Indianapolis is hosting on Friday, Oct. 15, with the visitation from 1-2 p.m. and the service from 2-3 p.m. in the main chapel, followed by the reception in fellowship hall. If you are unable to attend in person, watch via the streaming link at stlukesumc.com/funeral. Harlene’s final resting place will be at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, IN or Primelife Enrichment Senior Citizen Center, 1078 3rd Ave SW, Carmel, IN 46032.