Barbara Brack

1940 - 2024

Barbara Smith Brack, born on September 1, 1940, passed away on November 19, 2024 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara attended Mary Institute Country Day School and studied English at Washington University. In 1963, she married Reg Brack, and the couple moved to Greenwich, CT, in 1967. Reg's job as President and CEO of Time Inc. had the couple traveling the world throughout their 54-year marriage and together they lived a life filled with family adventures, time with friends and meaningful philanthropy.

Barbara was devoted to her family, yes, but her life work, her calling, her gift, was her extraordinary animal advocacy. Between her own hands-on involvement and the Brack Family Foundation, she was able to help all creatures great and small.

To that end, Barbara always had leashes, cans of cat and dog food, blankets and bottled water at the ready in case she encountered an animal emergency which, thanks to her eagle eye, she often did. She knew exactly how to lure frightened strays out of hiding, how to calm the feral and how to find forever homes - in many cases her own.

At the Brack home it was not unusual to see ferrets, guinea pigs, parrots, snakes, raccoons, cats, dogs and, famously, Barbara's beloved 280-lb pig named Bud. A surprise gift from Reg on their 25th wedding anniversary, Bud grew to 280-lbs and became a local celebrity in Greenwich, where he lived happily for nearly two decades.

In addition to her boots-on-the-ground work, Barbara served on the board of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS); established the Saint Martin Adoption Center for Animals on St. Martin, French West Indies; worked closely with Cleveland Amory and his Fund For Animals; helped open The Hancock County ASPCA in Maine; provided long-term support for Animal Aid Unlimited in Udaipur, India, among many other animal-related endeavors.

While Alzheimer's disease stole so much, Barbara's love for animals never wavered, never dimmed.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, son-in-law, Rob Kovell; her son, Regi, daughter-in-law, Jill; her son, Peter, daughter-in-law, Yeon. And her granddaughter, Stella.

In lieu of flowers, the Brack family requests that contributions be made to The Humane Society of the United States online at www.humanesociety.org/memorialgift, by phone at 1-866-720-2676, or by mail to The Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street NW, Suite 450, Washington DC 20037.

Barbara's legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.