We lost Barbara Swords on Friday December 21, 2012.
Mother, wife, sister, friend, mentor, champion of the underdog, environmentalist, and crusader are adjectives that combine to help describe Barbara Swords. She was a woman ahead of her time, actually taking on the role of City Councilor long before she was officially elected. While her husband Dick worked she would field calls from constituents, listen to their concerns, and very often have called City Hall, found a solution and reported back to the caller-all before her husband, Councilor Swords, even arrived home. Sometimes she gave him an update, sometimes not.
Her council responsibilities were just one small part of her very full life. She loved her family so much and delighted in tales of her grandchildren, where they were going to college, what accomplishments they had achieved, and what their plans for the future held. Barbara knew how to enjoy life and found joy in the simple things: caring for her dogs, Dakota and Nora, weighing in on local politics, or reading paperbacks to offer a few examples. We all know how much she loved “Mohegan”. She so enjoyed her pool and appreciated it as the magnet to visitors. She even laughed at herself (after a moments frustration) when one her of sons removed the bottom step of the exit ladder to her pool and she had to seek assistance to get out of the pool one day. She possessed the skill of recovering from frustrations with humor.
Barbara had so many tragedies in her life, the loss of her husband, and her three children, Pam, Patrick and Kevin. After Kevin died last year she said that she would never recover from that final loss. Last week her sister Marcy died. Barbara always watched out for her sister Marcella and visited her almost every day while she was confined to a nursing home.
Spending time with Barbara was always and totally an adventure. Whether we sat in her den and chatted about local, state or national affairs or left “central command” on Highland Avenue spending time with this remarkable woman was truly a gift. She was honest to others and to herself. Barbara was the real deal. She was kind, intuitive, and empathetic. There is not a mean bone in her body and I have never heard her speak cruelly of anyone. She sometimes scolded herself for her inability to accept all individuals and she said to me at one point, “I am sorry, I wish I did but I just do not like that person”.
Barbara was so brave and had many times stood firmly alone on City Council votes. She voted her conscience which was her guide.
Her nature was one of calmness and grace. At the end of the day when all of the actions, reactions, votes, successes, and even failures are tallied, we are left with our conscience and the mirror. Barbara could look into her reflection and not be ashamed of one thing she has ever done. She has represented her constituents earnestly and honestly, given to this community for years, and, been the rock and foundation for many.
Barbara, you have left so many friends and family left behind. We will miss you forever and we thank you for all you have given to us.
Mary O’Connell
City Councilor
