Susan Swingle Barrett

Born in Ithaca, NY, to Mary and Frank Swingle, Susan grew up in Indianapolis with her brother Frankie. She attended North Central High School and graduated from Denison University.

After college, she moved back to Indianapolis and worked as a bank teller at the drive-in window, where she met the love of her life, Dale. They were joyfully married for 51 years.

Susan and Dale had two daughters who adored her beyond words. While raising her girls, Susan enjoyed golf, tennis, and volunteering at Second Helpings and was a fixture at all of her daughters’ activities. She was a wonderful Mimi to her four grandchildren, blowing bubbles and shelling on the beach, buying amazing gifts, and teaching them to use coasters.

Susan told you what she thought, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She could hit it off with anyone, and her enormous circle of friends was the result. She did not love restaurant takeout, big dogs, or pickles, but she did love rug hooking, working in the yard, and entertaining. If she was invited to your house for dinner, she would happily bring anything, as long as it was dessert. If you came to her house, you were not allowed to bring a thing.

After a joyful and lucky life, a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the age of 73 was terrifying. Susan rose to the challenge with humor, an incredibly positive attitude, and a husband who NEVER left her side. Susan fought her battle with the help of a wonderful medical team, good friends, and Tai Chi, which brought her endless joy until the end.

She will be missed by all who knew her, especially her family: her cherished husband, Dale Barrett; daughter Kimberly and her husband, Eric Granat (and their children, Stella and Sam); daughter Katie and her husband, J Willey (and their children, Barrett and Ivy); her brother, Frankie Swingle, and his wife, Carol; Sally Barrett and the late Denny Barrett; Cindy and Rex Barrett; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

We certainly hope this was written correctly, as she was very particular about grammar, even reminding the medical professionals in her final days of the difference between lie and lay.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 13, with calling hours beginning at 10 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, followed by a service at 11 a.m. A memorial gathering will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Meridian Hills Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.