JoAnn "Jody" Swain

JoAnn “Jody” Swain passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026.  Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel.  Per the family's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, 14606 Roos Hill Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254, and to St. Malachy Catholic Church, 595 E. Ogden Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Jody was born on November 4, 1939, the daughter of Martin and Ruth (Fleming) Sheridan.  She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Swain, on September 12, 1959.

Bob and Jody lived in Geneseo from 1965 – 1985, then moved to Mahomet, IL, for the next twenty years.  After Bob's passing, Jody chose to return to Geneseo, as she put it, to come back home.

Jody was a member of St. Malachy Church, a long-time volunteer at Hammond Henry Hospital, and a dedicated member of her Tuesday morning coffee group, where she loved the camaraderie and conversations. 

Jody’s simple joys included taking daily walks at the Community Center with her long-time friend, Audrey Honzel, and around the neighborhood with her four-legged friend, Lilly. She also enjoyed reading the morning newspaper and taking advantage of the Geneseo Library, where she obtained her never-ending supply of books.

Jody was adored by her family.  She was their greatest cheerleader, while still being the voice of practicality and reason.  One of her greatest strengths was her ability to laugh and find joy at all times.

Survivors include her children, Laurie Pillen (Bart), Nancy Swain, Chris (Shelly) Swain, and grandchildren, Kate Pillen and Sarah Pillen (fiancé Colton).

Jody was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Swain, parents, Martin and Ruth Sheridan, and her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Dee Sheridan.