Helen Swirko

Helen Swirko of Dunnellon died Friday, May 10, in North Florida Rehabilitation and Speciality Care in Gainesville at age 94.

Helen was born on Jan. 6, 1919, in Passaic, N.J., and spent her early life in New Jersey. She moved to Florida during World War II and met her late husband, John Swirko, in Stuart. Together, they raised three children in Miami. Helen enjoyed gardening, taking her children to the beach and taking cruises throughout the Caribbean.

Helen and John retired to Dunnellon in 1982. Helen was a member of several social clubs and the American Legion Auxiliary, participating in various volunteer activities. She enjoyed playing cards with clubs and with friends, and socializing at the Annie Johnson Center.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband and by her son, John Swirko. She is survived by daughters Joyce Brown of Orlando and Cindy Swirko of Gainesville; granddaughter Jessica Brown of Orlando and great-grandchildren Jaiden and Shaelyn.