Barbara Mae “Nan” Smith
December 20, 1933 - October 24, 2019
Barbara Mae Smith (Nan), age 85, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Born in Albany, NY on December 20, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Emily (Stonier) Tear. Barbara made her career as a receptionist for J.A. Pyne, DDS.
Barbara (Nan) was kind, compassionate and unwavering in her support of family and friends. To Barbara, her job wasn’t work. She enjoyed the group she worked with at Dr. Pyne’s office and considered them her extended family. In her limited free time, Barbara enjoyed walks at Delcastle Park, shopping at Christiana Mall, shopping on QVC, playing the occasional game of cards and losing in Checkers to her grandson, Michael. Barbara also enjoyed watching Golden Girls, I Love Lucy and Two and a Half Men. Barbara didn’t have the luxury of her “golden” years. After the death of her daughters, Barbara was thrust back into the world of parent and caretaker. Her time was spent taking her grandsons to school, beach, waterpark, sports practices, choir, volunteer activities and school plays. Barbara taught everyone how to have a heart for service. With her limited time and resources, Barbara volunteered with her grandsons at numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the State of Delaware to support causes close to the hearts of friends, family and church members. In her later years, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and their families. She enjoyed a small hot coffee with cream and sugar from Dunkin Donuts, watching her great grandchildren play, Applebees’ dates with her granddaughter-in-law, surprise flowers from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, visits to talk about life and current events and spending time with volunteers from Lori’s Hands. Her smile, sense of humor, spunk and sassiness will be missed. She filled everyone’s hearts with joy and could always make people laugh. Her kind and giving spirit will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Smith, Sr.; daughters, Gail Robinson and Jill Smith; son, Thomas R. Smith, Jr.; and siblings, Peter L. Tear, Vivian Mallon and Irene Blankenburg. She is survived by her sister, Winifred (Jinx) Vadala; and grandchildren, Aaron and Jon Robinson, Thomas Stansell and Michael Smith.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 1 pm on Thursday, October 31, 2019, at St. James Episcopal Church, 2106 St. James Church Road, Wilmington, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to St. James Episcopal Church, at the address listed above.
Yvonne Johnson
Michael,
Ever since I met you, your Nan was always so special to you! You were blessed to have her in your life. My condolences are with you and your family!
Thinking of you!
George Meldrum
So sorry to hear the news. My thoughts are with you all.
Billy Roemer
You were a kind and generous woman that touched every one that knew you. RIP Ms. Smith .
Ginny Widdoes
Barbara was an amazing woman and will be sorely missed. She made me look forward to going to the dentist (not something most people can say). She was caring, happy and ornery – a great combination.
What a special lady!💕
Russell Marando
Rest in peace Aunt Barbra/
Love always
Russ Marando
Carey Corbin
So sorry for your loss. This is such a beautiful tribute to her.
Christine Jones
Michael,
I am so very sorry to hear about your Nan’s passing. She was one-of-a-kind. She immediately named me “Blondie” when I came to work with her in the dental office. She was the spunkiest, sassiest “tell it like it is” lady and I loved working alongside her. And, boy did she love you! Your grandmother was a devoted “mother” to you as you finished out your high school years. There was no one like her! I am sure you went on to be a successful young man—-your Nan wouldn’t have it any other way…. I am lucky to be able to say I knew Barb….truly sorry for your loss. -Christine Jones (formerly Wuttke)