Female Voices: Life and Loss

Episode 6 ~ Navigating Sudden Loss: A Sister’s Story of Grief, Strength, and Justice with Julie Swaney (part 2)


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Grief doesn’t have a timeline—especially when justice remains unresolved.

In this powerful continuation of last week’s conversation,Teresa Reiniger sits down with Julie Swaney,who shares the deeply personal journey of losing her sister, Betsy, in a sudden and tragic way.

Grief is already complex, and when combined with an ongoing legal battle, media attention, and the responsibility of stepping in as a support system for grieving family members, it becomes even more overwhelming. Julie reflects on the raw reality of navigating loss while simultaneously fighting for justice—a battle that has lasted over 13 years and continues to this day—while also facing the relentless challenges of dealing with media scrutiny and the public eye throughout the process. 

Through her experience,Julie shares valuable insights on resilience, healing, and the importance of community in times of loss. Whether you’ve experienced grief personally or want to understand how to better support others, this episode provides deep wisdom on navigating life after loss.


Topics Discussed:

  • The emotional toll of public grief and how media involvement complicates healing.
  • The ongoing battle for justice and how unresolved legal cases impact the grieving process.
  • How grief affects family dynamics, and the power of coming together instead of falling apart.
  • Why accepting support is not a weakness and how small acts of kindness can be lifelines.
  • Finding ways to honor a loved one’s memory and integrate their legacy into everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Grief is an ongoing journey, especially when justice is unresolved.
  2. Accepting help from others is a crucial part of healing.
  3. Honoring a loved one can take many forms—memorials, storytelling, and traditions.
  4. Seeking support (whether through faith, therapy, or community) makes a difference.
  5. Healing isn’t about “moving on”—it’s about integrating loss into your life.

Key Quotes:

“The hardest part is not just losing her, but losing all the future moments we thought we’d have.” “When people offer help, let them. It’s not weakness; it’s love in action." “The justice system moves slowly, but grief doesn’t wait.” ~ Julie Swaney

Resources & Mentions:

Our Lady’s Inn –https://ourladysinn.org/ 

The Betsy Tree – A memorial tree that serves as a place for healing and remembrance 


Listen now for an honest and heartfelt discussion on resilience, grief, and healing.


Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Website:https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices

Email: [email protected]

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Female Voices: Life and LossBy Teresa Reiniger with Living After Grief and Wayna Berry with Allberry Coaching

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