Barbara S. Holland

Barbara A, Swisher Birth 5 Mar 1933 Pratt Kansas Death March 23 2026 Austin Texas daughter of Richard Max Swisher and Grace V. Fiddyment

married Richard Cobb Holland

Barbara S. Holland passed away quietly on March 23rd, 2026 in Austin Texas.

She was born on March 5th 1933 in Pratt Kansas the daughter of Max and Grace Swisher.

The family later moved to Sandwich Illinois in 1941 where she spent her youth and would later marry and raise her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Grace Swisher, and her brother Richard M. Swisher.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Richard, her four children, Susan (David) Body, Sam (Jean) Holland, Anne Holland (Rick L’Aime) and Jane (Luke) Welsh. Barbara has seven grandchildren, Alex and Ben Body, Max (Yuliia) Holland and Martha Holland, Adam and Jacob Wilson and Ian Welsh. She has one great grandchild, Emma Holland. Barbara is also survived by her three nieces, Jill Muti, Diane Tighe and Karin Borchers and her nephew Mark Swisher.

She was a graduate of Sandwich High School in 1951 and attended Oberlin College and Millikin University where she received her degree in Music Education in 1955. She started her career teaching music in the Aurora Illinois School System.

In 1956 she married Richard in Frankfurt Germany where he was stationed with the United States Army.

Barbara and Richard returned to Sandwich Illinois in 1956 where they started their family and remained there until 2000 when they relocated to Austin Texas to be closer to family and grandchildren.

Barbara joined the family business in 1970, Holland’s Drug Store, where she wore many hats supporting her husband while managing a busy household.

As the business evolved with additional locations, Barbara was integral in supporting the growth and resulting success. She was entrepreneurial and branched off to establish Function Junction in Yorkville, Illinois specializing in party goods and gifts that complimented the drug stores.

Barbara was very involved in her community and was a 75 year member of PEO serving early on as president of the Sandwich chapter in the early 1970s and later of a chapter in Austin Texas.

One of Barbara’s greatest joys and accomplishments was serving as Vice President of the Woman’s Society of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra where she served as a docent for many years. She enjoyed sharing her love for music with students and introducing them to the wonder of the classics.

There was nothing more important than spending time with her grandchildren and being a part of their lives as they grew. She enjoyed seeing their accomplishments and participating in their activities.

One of her favorite activities was to host everyone at the family cottage on lake Maxinkuckee in ndiana where many family memories were created.

She will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Federated Church, 403 N Main St, Sandwich, IL 60548.

After the service we will have a receiving line before heading out to the cemetery.