Barbara Williams Swartz

Barbara Williams Swartz, age 99, passed away peacefully at her home, on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, with her daughters by her side.

She was born on March 1, 1925, in Erie, to the late Ross and Ruth (Winston) Williams. 

Barb was a 1942 graduate of Strong Vincent High School. She helped plan over 80 high school reunions.

She was a member of First United Presbyterian Church and later Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. She was employed at PNC Bank for 21 years.

Barb’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She particularly enjoyed gatherings at holidays where everyone could be together. She played golf and like her husband, Donald, got a hole-in-one. Their travels included playing golf at Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, and their favorite, Pine Hurst. Barb had many friends that she met to play cards, dominoes, or for lunch.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald; sister, Bettie Rectenwald; three brother in laws, Frank Rectenwald, Jack Miller, and Frank Swartz; as well as sister in law, Gladys Swartz. Recently, her niece and nephew, Barbie and Greg Inman passed.

Barbara is survived by her three daughters Susanne Bonaquist (Thomas), Patricia Orlando (Joseph Jr.), and Laurel Swartz (Stephen); sister, Ann Miller; five grandchildren, Lesa Orlando Lewandowski (Eric), Joseph J. Orlando, III (Emily), Donald C. Orlando (Laura), Dr. Casey Bonaquist (Stephane), and Brandon Bonaquist; ten great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Orlando (James), Joseph Orlando IV, Ava Lewandowski, Elle Orlando, Grace Orlando, Alek Lewandowski, Quinn Orlando, Audrey Poussou, Charlotte Poussou, and Alexander Poussou. She is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank UPMC Hospice and all involved for their care during this time.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Thursday, January 9th from 3 until 7 pm. And on Friday from 11 until the time of service there at Noon. Burial to follow in Erie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, 2816 Elmwood Ave., Erie, PA 16507, UPMC Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501, or to a charity of one’s choice.