Barbara Kapp Schwam died peacefully on January 1, 2025 at her home at Evergreen Retirement Community in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was 80 years old. She is survived by her two children, David (Jan) and Jennifer (Cindy), and her sister, Emily (David) as well as by her nieces, Sophie and Phoebe, and a community of long-time friends. Her other sister, Mary, passed away in April of 2024.

Barbara grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended Walnut Hills High School and graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio as well as Smith College of Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts. She had a long and successful career as a social worker, working with both children and adults.

Barb was well-read and known for her generosity, her great sense of humor, and her ever present curiosity. She shared her home with high school aged exchange students who’d had trouble acclimating to their original placements. She was an insightful and sensitive sounding board for her friends and family. She enjoyed traveling with her children on trips to South Africa and Fire Island. She was a loving mother and sister as well as a devoted companion to her adoring dogs.

Donations in Barb’s memory can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union, Pink Ribbon Good, and the Humane Society.

The family would love to hear stories about Barb and anything else you care to share below. Thank you.