Teresa C. Swafford passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 in Summerville, South Carolina, following a long illness.
Born on Jan. 26, 1943, at Milford (DE) Memorial Hospital, Teresa was the daughter of Paul J. Barto and Kathryn Donovan. She graduated from Seaford High School in 1961. In 1965, Teresa married the love of her life, Theodore Swafford, and raised four children: Mark J. of Delaware, Shannon LeClair (Rich) of Illinois, Scott (Peggy) of Delaware, and Christine Stafford (Mike) of South Carolina. Together they built a beautiful family. Here legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Jason, Brad, Scott, Zach, Richie, Chelsea and Knox; and through her 10 great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy and pride. She is also survived by her siblings: Pat Thackery (Charles) of Florida, Paula Barto, Peggy Koster, Joseph Barto and Kathy Barto, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; her parents, Paul and Kathryn; and her beloved grandson, Eric Stubbs.
Upon her husband’s death, she assumed their business, J.G. Exec Limousine Service, from 1982-1995. Her entrepreneurial success was recognized in a feature article in the News Journal newspaper and honored in 1994 in Who’s Who of Women Executives. In 1998-2018, she worked for Cracker Barrel until her retirement.
Teresa loved the beach, chatting on the phone, keeping up with loved ones on social media and spending time with her family. Her strength in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to her family will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held at a later date to be determined by her family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Teresa’s memory to a charity of your choice.