SWAIM, Helene H. (Von Hardegen)

Swaim, Helene Helene Hardegen Swaim, nee Helene Sophie Von Hardegen was born March 6, 1917 in Oklahoma City, Ok. She passed from this life on March 14, 2008. She began her adult life following graduation from Oklahoma College for Women (USAO) in Chickasha, OK in 1938. She briefly taught high school English and music in Dundee, OK where she met the shop teacher, Charles Eugene Swaim and married him in 1941. Following World War II, they lived in Chicago, IL and later moved to Oklahoma City. Helene and her husband were cofounders in 1948 of Swaim Serum Company, an animal health and pet supply distribution business located in the Oklahoma City Stockyards. The company remains successful today. Following retirement in 1981, Helene enjoyed the fruits of her labor. Being of German descent and having a passion for travel, she took numerous family members to Europe so that they may experience their heritage. Other destinations included Hong Kong, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Anna Von Hardegen and her sister, Margaret Sprague. She is survived by 2 sons, Dr. John J. Swaim, DVM and wife, Pat, James M. Swaim and wife, Judy 3 granddaughters, Tabitha Pope, Elizabeth Iman and Katherine Swaim and 2 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Smith & Kernke. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, March 20, 2008 at Smith & Kernke Chapel, 14624 N. May Ave with burial at Rose Hill cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Huntington Disease Society, 5421 N. Dewey, OKC, OK 73118 or the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), 1727 W. Alabama, Chickasha. OK 73008. SMITH & KERNKE 14624 N. May Avenue.