Ingrid Swanson

It is with great sadness that the family of Ingrid Swanson announces her passing after an illness took her life on Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Ingrid was born in Jacksonville, TX to Barbara and Jarrett Cook Swanson on August 8, 1965. The eldest of her siblings, Ingrid took pride in utilizing her humorous personality to ensure that there was never a dull moment in the household.

She was accustomed to being the life of the party far beyond the Swanson home. Her fun-loving disposition, combined with her contagious smile, became the catalyst for the abundant friendships formed everywhere she ventured.

Ingrid taught special needs students at Jacobs Well Elementary School. All who knew her would agree that Ingrid’s true passion lay in the care of her students. This was showcased by her genuine love, empathy, and selflessness in caring for her students both in and out of the classroom. It takes a special person to do what she did, and she did it with a full heart.

Her husband, Robbie Avera, has remained by Ingrid’s side, providing her the moral support required in dealing with the emotional demands of her profession.

While caring for students brought her immense satisfaction, nothing brought more joy to Ingrid’s life than her beloved grandchildren, Hill and Cora Philmon (17 months, 2 months.) She was, without a doubt, happiest when holding them and making them laugh. Characteristic of her exuberant personality, Ingrid insisted that Hill and Cora refer to her as “Lovie” in lieu of a more traditional grandmother name.

Ingrid Swanson will be sadly missed by her father, Jarrett Cook Swanson and wife Joy, stepfather, James Caraway, husband Robert Avera, son Chase Philmon and wife Courtney, and daughter Phoebe Cokinos and husband Thomas. Ingrid will also be remembered by her two precious grandchildren, Hill Philmon and Cora Philmon, by her siblings, Heidi Meaux (Brett), Jarrett Cook Swanson (Michelle), Chris Swanson (Emily), Hunter Swanson, Kelly Caraway, by her nieces and nephews, Bailey Swanson, Scout Swanson, Mckinly Bunn, Rowdie Swanson, Cole Swanson, Savannah Massey, Harrison Massey, and Hunter Massey. Ingrid also left behind an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, inlaws, friends, and students.

Ingrid was predeceased by her mother, Barbara Swope Caraway.

The family has arranged a private gathering in her honor.