Violet "Vi" C. Swarthout

Violet “Vi” C. Swarthout, age 96, of Lake Forest, Illinois passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. She was born on May 9, 1929, in Glencoe, Illinois, to Mary and Marco Chiraini. On May 1, 1945, Violet married the love of her life, Floyd E. Swarthout, Jr. Together they built a warm and joyful home on Oakwood Avenue in Lake Forest. In their home they raised five daughters and offered open arms to countless friends and extended family. Throughout her life, Violet took great pride in her work. She held positions at The Lake Forest Sports Shop and later served as an administrative assistant for the U.S. Army. She was especially proud to have made the leap from manual typewriters to computers at the age of 50, a mark of her adaptability and determination. Vi gave her time generously. She was a devoted volunteer for the American Legion during Lake Forest Days and an active member of the Church of St. Mary, where she served with the St. Francis of Assisi Circle through the Guild of St. Mary. In retirement, Vi fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling the world. She loved sharing detailed and humorous stories from her journeys with her daughters, grandchildren, and friends. These memories became cherished gifts passed down across generations. Vi’s greatest legacy was her spirit. She had a strong will, a sharp mind, and an endlessly optimistic heart. She nicknamed her daughters, “The Ladies 5,” and raised them with equal parts love and laughter. Her mischievous sense of humor left its mark on everyone she met. Even in her later years, she was cracking jokes and offering wisecracks that lit up the room. She especially cherished meals shared with family. Vi lived a full life. She cried some, but she laughed more. Vi is survived by her five daughters: Mary Ivins, Pamela Swarthout, Nancy (Jim) Thiel, Debra (Ted) Novaczyk, and Sally Swarthout; her grandchildren: Kathleen Glynn, Ashley Thiel, Christina Thiel, Jenna (Nick) DiVincenzo, Robert Elstrom, Thomas LaChance, and Steven (Allison) LaChance; and her great-grandchildren: Joseph DiVincenzo, Samuel DiVincenzo, Leighton LaChance, and Ophelia LaChance. She is also survived by her brother, Guy Chiraini; her honorary sixth daughter, Debi Kiddle; many nieces and nephews; and her deeply appreciated caregivers. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Floyd; her parents, Mary and Marco; her sister, Irene Mennenoh; and her treasured grandson, Bard Glynn. A Funeral Mass in celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Vi may be made to Dickenson Hall - Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center at 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 or online at Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation at https://www.lflbscfoundation.org/donate.html Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

Violet "Vi" C. Swarthout

May 9, 1929 - July 26, 2025