Katharine Jean Swinehart

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Barberton High School Miami University

Katharine Swinehart Obituary

BARBERTON -- Katharine Jean Swinehart, 85, died Friday morning December 4, 2009.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Barberton, 636 W. Park Avenue, Barberton 44203 with Rev. Reford Nash officiating. Burial at Lakewood Cemetery. Calling hours Tuesday 5 to 8 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral, 566 W. Park Avenue, Barberton 44203 with an Eastern Star service at 7 p.m. (Campfied-Hickman-Collier, 330-745-3161)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Dec. 7 to Dec. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Katharine Swinehart

12 Entries

December 9, 2009

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

December 9, 2009

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 something from you. Although you have always been in my thoughts and prayers, I'm thinking of you especially during your funeral service which, as I'm sure you know, I'm unable to attend. But I will join you eventually. If we miss you at the "two-fer" booth, please save seats for Doug, "Patrick," and me---7th row, on the aisle, of course!

With much love and gratitude,
Agnes Gooch

Nora Severance Whitten

December 9, 2009

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

Rod Phoenix

December 9, 2009

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.

Doug West

December 9, 2009

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 the Middle East, memories of your adventures spurred me on. And, whenever I came home, there you were, now waiting to listen to my tales of foreign lands. You always called me your “Sojer”, and you were always my very own Katherine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell, and Miss Jean Brody, all wrapped in this always energetic, curious, encouraging and engaging person that made you the most unique individual who has ever entered and influenced my life, an influence that continues to this very day. Now at the age of 65, as I bid you a fond farewell (oh, how you would have loved the drama of a true Vyking funeral), I am packing to move and retire in Ecuador.......how you would have reveled in this new adventure. Well, my dear, I don’t know if you ever truly realized the wonderful legacy you have left through your wonderful teaching career (how lucky those students were to learn from you). I know you will keep on and become a truly celestial teacher. Oh, where is Gooch when we need her.
With all my love,
Your Sojer
Doug West

Becky Geier

December 8, 2009

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

Susan Beachy(Starcher)

December 7, 2009

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.

Debra Gable Caruso

December 7, 2009

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

Steve Williams

December 6, 2009

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

Juanita Imhoff

December 6, 2009

Off to the great beyond you go.
Flying high and free of the bounds
Of this life that brought sorrow and pain.
Jean you are one of my heros you brought me full circle from a child to an adult from not understanding to fully understanding what it was you were teaching me. Thank-you for the ride. Another thing when you see Rapheal tell him his mommy misses him everyday. I will miss you!!!

Karen Lewis

December 6, 2009

One of the most influentual teachers in my life. A most remarkable women. Thank you Miss Swinehart! My condolences to her family.

Susan Reich

December 6, 2009

Miss Swinehart was a great teacher! Too bad more students couldn't have learned her great lessons.

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