Barbara Louise Swerling

Barbara Louise Fogel Swerling, 74, a dental hygienist turned successful artist, died at her home in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 10 after a brief illness. She was born and reared in Beverly Hills, Calif., daughter of Earl and Rosalie Fogel. She graduated from Beverly Hills High School and attended Santa Monica College before graduating from the University of Southern California Dental School. Mrs. Swerling was employed as a dental hygienist for some 35 years, working at various practices throughout the San Fernando Valley. She retired in 1996. She and her husband, Morton Swerling, whom she married on July 4, 1964, lived in Woodland Hills for about 35 years, moving to Las Vegas in 2002. They also for a time owned a home in Lake Havasu, Nev., where they enjoyed boating and she became an adept sailor. Always creative, Mrs. Swerling in her later years concentrated on painting, crafts and jewelry making, launching a career in the world of the arts. She painted in oil, watercolors and acrylics, and always enjoyed taking art classes and exploring new artistic techniques. Her work brought joy to many people. Mrs. Swerling loved to travel and take cruises with her husband. She was known for her vivid personality, a love for animals, her sense of humor and her deep spirituality. "She was a pistol," said her daughter, Felicia Swerling-Suslow. Besides her husband and daughter, she is survived by her son-in-law, Artur Suslow of Los Angeles, Calif.; and her grandson, Brenden Suslow, to whom she was especially devoted. There will be a private celebration of her life. A cremation is planned with her ashes to be scattered in the waters of Maui, Hawaii, one of her favorite places in the world.