Barbara T. Swift

Barbara Teare Swift passed away peacefully at her home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. She was 89 years old.

Born June 27, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, Barbara was the daughter of Robert and Lucy Newell Teare. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1957 and later that year married Charlie Swift of Boston, Massachusetts. Together they had two children, Lucy (born 1961) and Charlie Jr. (born 1966).

Barbara’s life was shaped by exploration, service, and community. Over the years, she and Charlie lived in Evanston, IL; Bronxville, NY; Paris; London; Greenwich, CT; Tokyo; and Sydney before retiring to Hilton Head in 1992. Their love for the island began in 1973 when they purchased a vacation home in Harbour Town. In 1994, they moved to The Cypress in Hilton Head Plantation, which remained Barbara’s home for the rest of her life.

In 1999, Barbara and Charlie, along with Bob and Lois Masteller, co-founded The Jazz Corner in Wexford Village, now a cherished local institution. After their divorce in 2000, Charlie left the island, while Barbara remained at The Cypress, frequently enjoying evenings at The Jazz Corner with friends and her signature ginger ale.

Barbara was a dedicated leader and volunteer, contributing to many organizations over the years, including the Wellesley College Alumnae Association, the Junior League, Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich, and Nadeshiko Kai. In Hilton Head, she served for nine years on the board of LowCountry Legal Aid and was honored with the William T. Althoff Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. 

Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity, sense of humor, and tireless commitment to the causes she loved. She is survived by her son, Charlie Swift Jr.; her granddaughters, Cameron and Courtney Swift; and her brother, Robert Teare. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lucy Swift.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on June 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cypress Hall at The Cypress Club House, for all who wish to remember and honor her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to LowCountry Legal Volunteers or the Wellesley College Fund.