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Barbara D. Smith, 79, of Baltimore, MD went home to her Lord on June 20, 2022. She was the loving wife of the late Michael D. Smith; devoted mother of David Smith and wife Adrienne, Brian Smith and wife Katya, Jeffrey Smith and wife Brenda, Rachel Chung and husband Sambath, Peter Smith and wife Shana, Theresa Maloney and husband Chris, and Joseph Smith. She was a most beloved Nana to her grandchildren Ivy Rose (Brett) Weinstein, John, Gertie, Fern, Chanda, Sorya, Sarah, Maxwell, and Lilia. In addition, she was a loving sister to Linda Brown and aunt to Dan Driscoll and wife Kim, great aunt to Carter; sister to William Beck and wife Kathy, aunt to Camille and husband Mark, great aunt to Ahreum, sister-in-law to Steve Smith and wife Sandy and aunt to Heidi, Andy, Greg, Father Jeremy, Scott and Jay. She was a dear friend to the Conways and Concetta Vandervoort and many others she had met through her various ministries and life.
Barbara dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She grew up in Parkville and was the daughter of William Dess Jr. and Doris (William) Beck. She attended St. Ursula School, later receiving their first Distinguished Graduate Award, and graduated from Seton High School. Soon after, she entered the Marist Missionary Sisters convent in Waltham, MA. It was not in her life plan to take her final vows. She then reconnected with her long- time friend Michael Smith who had also recently left the seminary and they married in 1966. They had seven children and nine grandchildren. The Smith household was always full of friends, neighbors, pets, joy and excitement. Everyone was welcome at the dinner table. Everyone was family. Family time was typically spent at the YMCA, Rocks State Park, Gunpowder State Park, Swallow Falls, and Ocean City. Her dear late great aunt Gertie become a part of daily family life. Later in life Barbara attended Notre Dame College and received a teaching degree in theology. As a religion teacher she taught at Towson Catholic High School until her retirement and received an award for Teacher of the Year. She had a gift for both working and connecting with teenagers. Even in retirement, Barbara volunteered in hospice and received a Master’s in Theology. She used her gifts to comfort patients at Stella Maris through prayer, song, and companionship. She was an avid learner and took courses at local colleges. During her final years, she was a full-time grandmother studying to become a member of the lay Carmelites. She was never content with complacency and tried to stay busy by learning to paint, embroider for loved ones, and teach Bible lessons. In her last few days, she said she was ready to go home to her Lord. Now we rejoice in her finally being reunited with the loved ones she often talked about and longed to see once again.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Evans Life Celebration Home-Parkville on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. At 12 PM the family will share a musical selection played by granddaughters, Gertrude and Fern Smith, followed by eulogies. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ursula Catholic Church at 2 PM following the visitation. Interment will be held at Parkwood Cemetery on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 11 AM. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.evansfuneralchapel.com
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