Barbara Joan Swift, 85, of Western Springs, IL, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2017, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Chicago to Paul and Elizabeth “Betty” (Spencer) Badger on May 1, 1932, and resided her entire life in the Chicago area. She joined the Western Springs Baptist Church (The Village Church) in 1954, and was an active member for 63 years. In 1964, she moved to Western Springs where she has lived ever since. She was an alumna of Maine Township High School, North Park College and Elmhurst College, and for many years taught special education at Seventh Avenue School in LaGrange. Barbara was the beloved wife of Norman Swift for 25 years. Together they served their church and community, loved to spend time with friends and family–especially grandchildren–and traveled extensively, visiting many U.S. states and foreign countries. They particularly enjoyed birdwatching expeditions and Christian mission trips together. Barb was the loving mother of David Gustafson (Dawn), Nancy Gustafson, Daniel Gustafson, Dale Gustafson, and the late Douglas Gustafson, and cherished step-mother of Betsy Dye, Brian Swift, and Amy (Douglas) Harkness. She was the devoted grandmother of Andy Gustafson, Matt Gustafson, J.D. Barnes, Tom Barnes, Henry Gustafson, Grace Gustafson, Grant Gustafson, Greta Gustafson, Greyden Gustafson, Rob (Cretia) Dye, Julius Dye, Crystal Dye, Victoria Swift, Greta Harkness, and Anna Harkness, and great-grandmother of Nia Dye, Malea Dye and Robert Dye III. She was the fond sister of Jean (Dan) Poulson, Stephen Badger and the late Carol Howe, and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 3 to 8pm, Friday, August 11, 2017 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Western Springs Baptist Church, 4475 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Private interment at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Swift Memorial Fund, c/o Western Springs Baptist Church, 4475 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558, or to Joni and Friends, 915 Harger Road, Suite 105, Oak Brook, IL 60523.