Elle Jenne Swanberg passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, with family at her side; after several years of determined resistance.

She was born Sept. 8, 1928, to Carl F. and Iva Mae (Sherman) Jenne at Iva’s family home in Coupeville, raised primarily in Silverdale and graduated from Central Kitsap High in 1946. Ellen lived in the Seattle area for many years and returned to Kitsap County for retirement.

In Seattle, she worked at SeaFirst as an Operations Manager while raising her four children and studying for advancement. She was one of the first women ever promoted to Trust Manager. After her banking career, she was a real estate broker for a number of years.

Ellen was also active with Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Kent Guild and with caucuses of the Republican Party. She and Bob traveled widely in both the U.S. and internationally, which gave them great pleasure.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Robert F. Swanberg; her four daughters, Sally Kilkenny, New York City, Jean Freed (Aline), Montreal, Sue Ellen Elfving, Portland, Ore., and Celia Johnson (Loren), Bremerton; step-son Robbie F. Swanberg (Ruth), of Mountlake Terrace; seven living grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her five brothers and sisters (David, Barbara, Roy, Ned and Linda); as well as aunts and numerous close and caring cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will Sunday, Jan. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at Adventure of Faith Presbyterian Church, 4705 Jackson Avenue Southeast, Port Orchard, with a reception following.

The family suggests contributions to Seattle Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers, at http://www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/donate/.