Mpls. Murder Victim Remembered For Her Selflessness
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A Minneapolis woman, who lived life helping others, was found dead in her home - a victim of blunt force trauma. Minneapolis Police are now looking for her killer.
Lois Swenson wasn't heard from in several days. When a Minneapolis Police Officer and Minneapolis Firefighters checked on her, they found her dead in her bedroom.
Her friend, Pat Jordan, said Swenson's murder was cuts particularly deep.
"It's very difficult, because she was such a giving, open person," said Jordan. "She was just an advocate of assisting other people who needed help, and people loved her."
Lois' friends never met anyone quite like her. She was the peacemaker who quite literally would give you the shirt off her back. That's why her friends don't understand why anyone would kill her.
Minneapolis Police don't believe residents should be concerned. They've interviewed some people who might have more information about Lois' murder, but police haven't arrested anyone.
"She made such an impression on so many others, and that is a legacy," said Pat.
Lois lived in a house on Vincent Avenue North. It was a perfect fit for the humble woman. Her generosity knew no boundaries.
Lois never married, and she didn't have kids, but her friends were endless. She was the real diamond in the rough in this working class North Minneapolis neighborhood.
Lois befriended strangers, inviting some of them to live with her. But her friends worried she might have stretched that giving hand too far.
Swenson's college friend Margaret said her life stretched way beyond her front door. Lois spoke at churches, traveled the world, and educated people on poverty, women's issues and social justice causes.
"She was kind of like a Protestant Mother Theresa. She'd see trouble and then go help and kind of disappear," said Margaret.
Lois helped plant several community gardens in North Minneapolis. She lived live to help others.
Lois would collect clothes left behind at local laundry mats. She'd bring them home, wash them, and take them to migrant workers or donate them to churches.
"Very giving! Very giving," said Margaret.
Lois' friends believe she would want people to continue trusting. She wouldn't want her death to overshadow who she really was.
"She made such an impression in her 76 years of living here," said Pat.
