loving daughters, Susan and Ellen.
Barbara was born in Ogdensburg, NY. Among her many talents, she ran a gift shop and a craft
school that introduced artists from throughout the North Country to students of all ages.
After raising her family with her former husband, Frank Schwartz, she went back to school
and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance at Clarkson University and her MBA at Simmons
School of Management in Boston. Upon graduation, she worked for Michael Dukakis’
Presidential campaign.
Barbara had a successful career as a budget analyst for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Her true passion was the arts – from symphony and chamber music, to opera, dance and the
visual arts – she surrounded herself with creativity and beauty. She was an accomplished
gardener and shared this skill with her family. She was an avid reader.
She volunteered at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and loved attending chamber concerts at
Jordan Hall. She had a garden in the Fenway for many years and took responsibility for the
gardens around her condo in Back Bay.
Her deepest joy was time with her daughters, traveling the world or spending time at home.
Barbara was also loved by many friends and neighbors and will be missed.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Center Communities of Brookline, 100 Centre St,
on Monday, October 14 from 7-8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Boston Public Library (or
library of your choice), Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Fuller Craft Museum in
Brockton, MA and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
