Remembering Dorothy Carolyn Swanson: A Life of Love, Healing, and Community Service

Remembering Dorothy Carolyn Swanson: A Life Filled with Love and Healing

Hanover, Indiana – On a peaceful afternoon, the community of Hanover came together to honor the life of Dorothy Carolyn Swanson, who passed away surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy, a deeply cherished member of her community and a devoted family woman, was born on September 8, 1954, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Leonard Swanson and Dorothy Snow Swanson Martin, and she was raised in a warm and nurturing environment in Chattanooga.

Academic Pursuits and Professional Life

In 1972, Dorothy graduated from Chattanooga High School and went on to pursue her passion for science at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where she earned her BS in Chemistry in 1981. With her degree in hand, Dorothy embarked on a successful career as a chemist, spending two decades in Indianapolis, working at the renowned company Eli Lilly. However, her greatest joy came when she decided to leave her career to focus on raising her four beloved children.

A Passion for Herbal Remedies

While being a mom was her top priority, Dorothy never lost her love for chemistry and nature. She delved into the fascinating world of natural remedies through herbs, investing countless hours studying various plants and their properties. Her dedication bore fruit, and she quickly gained a reputation as a compassionate herbalist, known for her deep understanding of the healing properties of plants. Dorothy was passionate about sharing her knowledge with others, offering guidance and herbal remedies to those in need.

Family and Community

Dorothy’s journey continued when she married David C. Miller on June 4, 2006, in Blowing Rock, N.C.. The couple moved to Hanover in 2007, where they embraced their new community with open arms. Dorothy was an active member of the First Baptist Church, where she connected with others through her faith and community service.

In her free time, Dorothy loved the outdoors. Whether it involved hiking through scenic trails, camping under the stars, or tending to her beautiful garden, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Cooking and reading were also among her cherished hobbies, allowing her to explore new recipes and stories.

A Loving Family

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, David; her mother Dorothy Snow Swanson Martin of Chattanooga; her son Gregory Ellis and his wife, Stephanie of Lafayette; daughters Geni Bean Brown (Corey) of Durham, Christie Duh (Tom) of Indianapolis, and Liana Cross (Adam) of Chattanooga. Additionally, she leaves behind stepdaughters Amy Clubb (Joe) of Hanover, Elissa Miller of Columbus, and Julie Miller of Carmel; as well as stepsons Zachary Miller (Kellie) of Brownstown and Andy Miller (Ashley) of Chicago.

Dorothy was also a proud grandmother to many grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. Her sisters, Peggy Burch, Frances Swanson, and Joyce Lloyd (Morty) all of Chattanooga, and her brother-in-law Walter Miller (Kathy) of Hartville, Ohio, will remember her fondly. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Swanson.

Goodbye with Grace

A private family graveside service will take place, followed by a public Celebration of Life visitation on Saturday, October 26, from 12-2 p.m., at the Chattanooga Church located at 6188 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37416. In honor of Dorothy’s compassion, the family encourages memorial contributions to be made to The MOMentum Network or the Caldsted Foundation.

While Dorothy has left this world, her love, knowledge, and spirit will continue to thrive in the hearts of those she touched. The community will forever be grateful for her kindness and her passion for healing through nature.