Laura Gay Swangren

ROCKFORD - Laura Gay Swangren suddenly left this world at age 62, on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Swedish American Hospital. She was also born at Swede's on January 12, 1959 to Raymond Swangren and Bernice Swangren ( née Verble, latterly Gaffney). She had a big smile, big heart and big laugh. Her spirit will always remain with us.

Laura lived her life entirely in Rockford, graduating from Guilford HS in 1977. Post graduation, she was employed mostly in the retail and restaurant businesses. She started a family in her early 20s, having three boys she was extremely proud of. She made friends easily and her friendships were lifelong. She was always the one with the camera taking pics of family and friends, and loved being in front of the camera herself. Laura loved to socialize and have a good time, in whatever activity that may be.

Laura is survived by her sons Josh Fulton, Ryan Whelchel and Eric Swangren; granddaughters Brianna Bauer-Fulton and Ella Fulton; siblings Lydia Swangren, Alan Swangren and Glen Swangren; nephews Edward Swangren, Adam Swangren; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, special friends. Laura is predeceased by her father Raymond Swangren and beloved mother Bernice Gaffney, and the fathers of her children, John Fulton and Steve Whelchel.

Interment will be private at Scandinavian Cemetery.

Join us for a Celebration of Life and Open House on Saturday, July 31, 4 – 8 PM, at The Lombardi Club, 209 Olive St., Rockford. We will be gathering to share our favorite memories, stories, to laugh, and to remember our mother, sister, cousin and friend who will be missed.

If Laura were here, she'd say, 'luv ya' with a big smile, big hug and big laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the family or an organization below:

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary noahsarkanimals.org

Crusader Community Health crusaderhealth.org

Rockford River Valley Pantry rrvp.org

Miss Carly's misscarlys.org

National Fibromyalgia Association fmaware.net/donate

Anxiety & Depression Association of America adaa.org