Gina Heslop
Lesley Swick Van Ness, a former news anchor at WGEM-TV, passed away suddenly at the age of 42 while vacationing in Florida with her family. Details about the cause of her death have not been revealed. She was hospitalized on April 6 and passed away four days later.
Lesley Swick Van Ness was described as a local celebrity who loved her community and was known for bringing out the best in those around her. She worked for WGEM for over 13 years before transitioning to a recruitment specialist for Quincy Media in 2016. She was remembered as a consummate professional who was dedicated to her work and her family.
Aside from her professional accomplishments, Lesley Swick Van Ness was a devoted wife and mother. Her primary goal was to raise her two young sons to be well-rounded young men. She was beloved by everyone she encountered and always put others’ needs before her own.
Her colleagues remembered her as a true cheerleader who loved helping the younger generation of news people, especially women.
Lesley Swick Van Ness’s funeral service was held on Monday, April 17 at St. John’s Anglican Parish, and she was buried at Woodland Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. The Gray Television and WGEM family are heartbroken over her loss and send their condolences to her family and friends.
