Barbara Louise Swinney

SWINNEY, Barbara Louise (nee Brown):

Passed away in hospital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, aged 76.

She was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA, on November 21, 1949, to Helen Bernice Brown (nee Loyd) and Rupert Amos Brown. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Landol Lamar Swinney (1949-2020), and her cherished sisters, Bea Place (1947-2024) and ‘Ruby’ Branch (1946-2025). She is survived by her children Melisa Elaine Wang of Sydney, Australia and Amanda Marie Swinney of Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as her son-in-law Harrison Farrow, also of Christchurch. She was beloved by many family members and friends, who all held a cherished place in her heart.

Barbara dedicated her life to the service of her faith, as a missionary, church secretary, and teacher of the Bible’s doctrine to all ages. She loved her family and friends, working in her garden, her cats, and a good cup of coffee.

The funeral will be held at the Harewood Chapel in the Harewood Memorial Gardens, Wilkinsons Road, Christchurch, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 1:00pm.

We love you, Barbara. Words cannot express how deeply we feel the loss of your warm and generous heart.