Barbara Elizabeth O’ Bryen was born on September 18th 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She passed away on July 9th 2023 in Richland Washington, in the company of family.

Grandma had four children whom she raised on her own. Greg, Becky, Mark and Marty Van Kirk.

She had six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her two sons Mark and Marty, and a great grandson, Mason.

She is also survived by her husband Blaine Swallow and his children and grandchildren. During their 46 years together they had many adventures, from Richland to Seattle, Alaska, Idaho and back to Richland.

Blaine is a truly remarkable person who demonstrated to us all what the vow, “In sickness and in health” really means.

Grandma had six little sisters; Pat, Phyllis, Kathy, Collette, Mary and Ginny.

She cherished them, laughed with them and forgave anything.

THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT HER

She could sing, dance and play the piano.

She was a member of the theater group that performed on the Mississippi show boat.

She took classes the entire time she was raising kids.

She loved studying maps.

She read everything she could get her hands on.

Her favorite expression was, “Don’t borrow trouble”.

She once went down into an outhouse to retrieve a doll for her little sister.

She made all her children perform household duties, taught them all basic sewing and wanted them to at least know how to sew on a button.

She taught her family about resilience, even when we didn’t know that’s what we were learning.

She always moved forward.

Had regrets but didn’t dwell on them.

Was smart and didn’t waste it.

She was brave, which she needed.

Was protective, which we appreciated.

Had wit, which she shared.

She was curious, and pursued it.

Had great love for her family, which she showed.

Rest in Peace Grandma,

We Love You

Her family would like to thank all her caregivers for their knowledge, care and support.

Thank all of you for coming.