Barbara B. Svee

It is with deep sadness that the family of Barbara B. Svee announces her passing. Barbara, aged 88, moved on to her next great adventure during the morning of November 6^th, 2025, in her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family. She valiantly fought cancer with incredible strength. She fought kicking and screaming refusing to accept her invitation to her next life. She kept saying “I’m not ready!” because she was always so full of life. When she finally accepted the inevitable, she went with nothing but beauty and grace. 

Born on April 30^th, 1937, in McCammon, Idaho to George V. and Hortense Bowman. Barbara was the only daughter among four children. She was proud of growing up in Southeast Idaho where she learned perseverance and a love for adventure. As a young teenager Barbara, with her family, moved to Salt Lake City where she attended East High School. Barbara met her first husband Robert C. Cushing who also attended East High and they were married in 1958.  The couple soon welcomed their two daughters Michele (born in 1959) and Cynthie (born in 1961). In 1980, she married Robert “Bob” R. Svee, blending their families.  Barbara and Bob shared more than two decades of love, laughter, and adventure together before Bob’s passing in 2001. 

Barbara lived a life that was so full it might take some people three lifetimes. She built a long and meaningful career with the Federal Aviation Administration where she retired in 1994. After retiring she worked with FEMA, where she dedicated herself to public service and helping others. Retirement also meant she finally had time to see the world, a dream she always carried with her. Barbara traveled the world and set foot on every continent. She climbed the ancient steps of Machu Picchu, walked the soft sands of Australia, and gazed at the glowing lights of Antarctica. Along her travels, she loved collecting treasures—small reminders of the beauty, people, and cultures she encountered. When she wasn’t traveling, she was hiking, golfing, and spending time with her family. 

Her love for the arts was equally strong. She frequently attended plays, shows, and the ballet, sharing her love and appreciation with those closest to her. She volunteered for many years as a theater usher and proudly served as a volunteer when the Olympic Games came to Salt Lake City. She also cherished time spent outdoors, especially boating on Lake Powell, where she created countless joyful memories with family and friends.

Those who knew Barbara affectionately called her “the Energizer Bunny.” Her enthusiasm, humor, and boundless energy were contagious. Whether she was exploring a new corner of the world, lending a hand to someone in need, or teasing her family —warning her daughters that dragonflies would sew their mouths shut or joking with her grandchildren about the “deadly” leftovers in the fridge—Barbara approached life with laughter, love, and unstoppable spirit. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her. Always ready for something to do and somewhere to go. She will be missed deeply by everyone that knew her. 

As a Mother Barbara was your friend, your confident, your sounding board. She taught you strength, preservice, and grace. Reminding you, you can always be anyone or anything you wanted. She was always there for you, willing to listen without judgement. Her lessons will live within us forever.

As a Grandmother Barbara was spending the weekends waking up to Swedish Pancakes and always being able to “sneak” freezer cookies. She was always happy to see you.  There wasn’t a single moment where she wasn’t anything but loving and kind. Unless of course you got her talking about politics, which was way outside her normal open arms policy. Having her as our grandma was to know that someone was always in your corner. She was our unwavering cheerleader. She always showed up for you and was unjudging in whatever you needed help with. Grandma always had the energy and enthusiasm to do whatever sounded fun to who she was with, if we were lucky, it was one of us. 

Barbara is survived by her younger brother, Rhead B. Bowman (Sandy); her two daughters, Michele (Shawn) Cynthie; Bob’s two daughters, Nicole (Drew) and Suzzane (Dave) who she loved as her own; her thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and of course many more extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Judd and Keith Bowman, her husband Bob, and many friends she’d made throughout her life.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, December 10^th, 2025, from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. The main entrance is on the north side of the building, where valet services will be provided. Please, share your photos and memories with her family at www.starksfuneral.com