Barbara Susan McNamee

Barbara Susan McNamee of Newark, DE, age 79, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020. She was born on November 30, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Shuman R. Swenk and Mina F. (Goll) Swenk.

Barbara loved doing crafts as well as doing quilting and other sewing projects. She enjoyed visiting her friends in the sewing group. An active person, Barbara enjoyed skiing when she was younger, was a member of the YMCA, and was an excellent swimmer, having proudly passed her lifeguard test at age 67. Barbara traveled the world, and favored spending time at the beach, especially Ocean City, NJ. She was enthusiastic about learning new things, especially keeping up to date with new technologies. Barbara found her greatest joy in keeping up to date and spending time with her family. She was proud to stay involved with her grandchildren and knew what each of them had going on in their lives.

Many word describe Barbara: vibrant, classy, stylish, compassionate, strong, empathic, grounded, direct, warm, welcoming. While all of them speak to her character, she will be remembered as someone that was happy to help without being interfering. Barbara had an infectious smile and laugh, where everyone that knew her, loved her and knew where they stood with her. Barbara was a shoulder to cry on and a rock when you were troubled. She will be dearly missed.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Bill M. McNamee; two children: Kelly Costello and her husband Jeff and Bill G. McNamee and his wife India; six grandchildren: Lindsey, Kyle, Lauren, Katie, Ryan and James; and brother, Tom Swenk and his wife Cindy.

Services for Barbara will be held privately at the convenience of the family.