Mrs. Swanson was born on March 9, 1917, in Seattle, Wash., to Ruth and Arthur Boag. Helen’s family moved to Hoquiam, Wash., from Seattle where Helen attended Washington Grade School and later Weatherwax Aberdeen High School when the family relocated to Aberdeen. Helen graduated High school in 1936.
Helen then went to Pullman, and attended Washington State University until her brother entered college.The family was unable to support two students in college so Helen returned home and enrolled in beauty school. She had always loved to style hair for family and friends and had a talent for it.