Barbara Smith Eagleton

Barbara Smith Eagleton (7/30/33 - 2/4/26)

Barbara Smith Eagleton died, of natural causes, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Born in St. Louis, July 30, 1933, to Catherine and Francis Smith, she attended Villa Duchesne-City House school, Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY and Washington University in St. Louis.

A natural athlete, she excelled at sports, particularly field hockey and tennis.

In 1956, Barbara married attorney Thomas F. Eagleton, also of St. Louis. Thereafter, and throughout her husband's long political career, Barbara served as a steadfast partner as he successfully campaigned for St. Louis Circuit Attorney, Attorney General of the State of Missouri, Lieutenant Governor of Missouri and the United States Senate.

In 1969 Barbara, Tom and their children Terence and Christy moved to Washington, D.C., where they remained until Tom's retirement from the Senate in 1987.

During their time in Washington, she joined her husband on numerous Congressional delegations to countries throughout the world.

In addition to her role as the wife of a U.S. Senator, Barbara forged her own path as a board member of the Women's National Democratic Club, the Visiting Nurse Association, the International Club, Girls, Inc. and the Advisory Council of School of the American Ballet.

A committed ballet enthusiast, she was a long-time devotee of George Balanchine, the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theater.

She maintained her athletic interests as a student of Albert (Allie) Ritzenberg at the St. Albans Tennis Club.

Upon returning to St. Louis in 1987, Barbara said of Washington politics, "It's very hard to quit cold turkey." In response, she founded a public affairs speakers forum, the Women's Democratic Forum of Greater St. Louis, which over the next three decades grew to 800 members and attracted nearly 200 renowned speakers on politics, journalism, legal affairs and history.

Throughout her life, Barbara remained active in civic and cultural organizations, serving on the boards of The Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Public Radio, Dance St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, the State Ballet of Missouri, the Regional Arts Art Commission of St. Louis and the committee to restore The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

In 1998, she was awarded the St Louis Women of Achievement Award for cultural enrichment and was recognized by Dance St. Louis with its Swan Award for lifelong contributions to the company and local arts community; and by St. Louis Public Radio for her commitment to public broadcasting.

A keen bridge player, Barbara enjoyed regular games well into her 90s with beloved friends from a wide circle in Washington D.C. and St. Louis.

She was immensely proud of her grandchildren, whose affection was evident in every hug, call and visit.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, a twin sister, Donna, and her husband. She is survived by her son Terence of New York and daughter Christy Fleming of Wilmington, Delaware, her grandchildren Barbara Brooks, James Fleming and Greg Fleming, and her loyal dog Ceci.

The Eagleton family wishes to express deep gratitude to Lana Bailey and Negusu Muche, who brought great joy to her life in St. Louis.

Announcement of memorial services will be made at a later date.

Please disregard any sales language below.