Stephanie Anne (Swanson) Harkins

Stephanie Harkins, (nee Swanson), 50, of Hammond, passed away at home on April 9, 2020, after a long battle with brain cancer.  She was born in Shelbyville, IN on December 8, 1969 to the Rev. James and Molly (nee Gimmestad) Swanson.  She is survived by her husband, Jordan Harkins of Chicago; son Gavyn James Harkins of Hammond; father Rev. James T. Swanson of Hammond; brother, Jonathan (Melissa) Swanson of Highland; beloved caregivers, Mary C. and Barbara K. Campbell of Shelbyville, IN and Beverly Clary of Hammond; Godfather, Carl Hallberg of Myrtle Beach, SC; and numerous beloved friends.  Preceded in death by her mother Molly Swanson.  Stephanie was an educator, having taught elementary grades in the School City of Hammond.  She also worked as a corporate trainer for the “Cooker” restaurant chain.  She graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in 1988, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ball State University in Muncie, IN in 1994.  Stephanie was active in the Bishop Noll band, Edison Little League Softball, the Blazers woman’s fast pitch softball team, and at Christ Lutheran Church in Hammond. She also spent several years at home caring for her mother, Molly, as she suffered with dementia.  Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral will be held with burial at Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, IN.  A memorial service will be at a later time.  Memorials are requested to be given in her honor to Christ Lutheran Church, Hammond, IN.  Stephanie will be missed by those who knew her for her offbeat humor, musical ability and faithful devotion to her family, church and Lord Jesus Christ.  He has gone to prepare a place for her and now has received her to himself.  May she rest in peace and let Perpetual Light Shine upon her. 

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