Katharine Jean Swinehart

Miss Swinehart was my favorite teacher in all my school years. She was tough but fair and I've many fond memories of my short time in her classroom. My favorite was when she wrote me a personal letter in summer break just to "check in with me" because she knew I had a difficult home life. She was loved and will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.

Susann Duncan Watts BHS 1976

Dearest Auntie Mame,

Thank you for being my teacher in so many ways, both in and out of school, and for encouraging me in my singing and acting endeavors as a student. It was such a joy to know that you and darling Doug were always in the audience to cheer me on as I learned to "dance to a new rhythm and whistle a new song." I will never forget the fun you and I had ushering at theaters and critiquing the plays afterwards. You knew the theatre inside out, and I always learned...

Miss Swinehart, you made me proud to love books and high standards.

Ms. Swinehart touched so many lives as an educator at Barberton High School and a member of the local community. She demanded the very best from her students, her colleagues, and herself. She took great great pride in her chosen profession, and was a superb teacher and role model. She will be missed.

My Jean,
Although I never had the privilege of your classroom presence, you were probably the one most continuing and lasting influence on my life. Over many, many years, you have been my mentor, my buddy, my Auntie Mame”. After hundreds of hours spent with you around a pool table, drinking draft beer, and listening intently to your earlier adventures in foreign lands, you launched me off on my very own wonderful adventures. From Germany, to Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey and all of...

Ms.Swineheart was my teacher at BHS. She touched my life in ways she may never know. She was a remarkable woman.

Miss Swinehart was blessed with the ability to influence the students whether or not they were in her classes. She was a remarkable lady. I will miss her.

So saddened by you passing. What an amazing mark you have left on my life! Thank you! So glad to have seen you over the years and you still gave me that extra love. You will be missed and fondly remembered!! xo

I had Miss Swinehart at BHS. She was an excellent teacher and person. My thoughts and prayers are with her.