Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Please select what you would like included for printing:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Barbara Mae
Swirsding
July 28, 1943 – December 9, 2025
Ms. Barbara Mae Pickford Swirsding, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Abington Hospital.
She is lovingly survived by her son, David (Sue); her sister, Beverly Engiles (the late George); her three grandchildren, Carly, Daniel, and Megan; her nephews, John and Stephen (Zoanne); and her nieces, Julie (Greg) and Beth.
Born on July 28, 1943, in Philadelphia to Elmer and Viola Pickford, Barbara graduated from Olney High School in 1961. She later married Richard Swirsding, with whom she shared her early years before their divorce.
Barbara dedicated her life to caring for others. For 26 years, she owned and operated Abington Children's House, a Montessori school in Roslyn, Pennsylvania, where she nurtured countless young children with patience, love, and a deep belief in the importance of early education. After retiring from teaching, she continued to serve her community as a concierge at Sunrise Senior Living, finishing her career at the remarkable age of 79½. Her devotion to both the very young and the elderly was a true reflection of her generous heart.
At the center of Barbara's life was her faith and her family. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren—playing games, attending school events, and celebrating milestones together. Holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings were moments she treasured deeply.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her commitment to others, and the love she poured into her family and the communities she served. She will be missed dearly.
Friends and family are invited to gather at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 20th, at Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel, 333 West Countyline Road, Huntingdon Valley PA 19006. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 before we process to Forest Hills Cemetery.
Visitation
Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc.
10:00 - 11:00 am
Funeral Service
Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc.
Starts at 11:00 am
Graveside Service
Forest Hills Cemetery
Starts at 12:00 pm
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors