1940 - 2026
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Barbara spent the first part of her childhood in Manhattan, New York, before her family relocated to Glen Cove on Long Island when she was nine years old. She often fondly recalled the independence she felt walking to school on her own as a first grader in New York City.
Barbara attended Boston University, where she met her future husband, John “Jack” Swan Jr. Together they raised their daughters in Sudbury, where Barbara became known for her beautiful flower gardens and well-kept yard.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Barbara is survived by her daughters, Laura Albro and her husband David of Holliston, and Lynn Fahey and her husband Michael of Upton. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jesse Albro and his wife Aimee, Olivia Albro, Jenna Fahey, and Will Fahey, as well as her great-granddaughter, Amelia Albro. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Lienert, and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Jack; her parents, Robert T. and Jean (Rowland) Holland; and her siblings James Holland, Patricia Post, and Janet Aldert.
An active member of the community, Barbara belonged to the League of Women Voters and volunteered in local schools. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed making dresses for herself and her daughters, and her family fondly remembers her excellent cooking, particularly her enthusiasm for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Horses became one of Barbara’s greatest passions after her daughters began taking riding lessons. What started as supporting her children quickly developed into a lifelong love of riding. After moving to Medway, she finally had the space to keep horses of her own. She especially enjoyed trail riding and twice won the prestigious Henry Quit Memorial 20-mile trail ride, once aboard her Arabian horse, Jadi, and later on her Quarter Horse, Casher.
When her daughters became teenagers, Barbara joined the staff at Horse N’ Habit, a local tack shop. She eventually became manager and later owner, enjoying every opportunity to help new riders prepare for their first experiences with horses. Customers often remember her working alongside her beloved Doberman, Hugo.
Barbara had a deep appreciation for history, botany, dogs, and horses. Throughout her life, she shared her home with five cherished Dobermans and remained passionate about animals until the end.
A memorial gathering will be announced by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baypath Humane Society.
