Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Barbara Brack Obituary
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.
Barbara's legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Brack
7 Entries
Elizabeth Brack
March 11, 2025
Wow! What an incredible honor to have the beloved Uptown Troops Color Guard remember my mother in such an amazing way. This scholarship name would make my mother so proud and happy. She is smiling down on all of you (looking at you Vita!), a guardian angel watching you flourish through the years to come. THANK YOU for such a profoundly special gift.
Uptown Troops Color Guard
March 8, 2025
In honor of Barbara, Uptown Stages of Achievements College Scholarship has been renamed to "Barbara Brack Community Services Scholarship" We Loved you so much Barbara SIP!
Sally Spoehrer Lemkemeier
March 7, 2025
Such fun conversations with Barbara in the MI attic Senior room.
Sally Spoehrer Lemkemeier
Veta Gregory-Rodriguez, President/Founder Uptown Troops Color Guard
February 3, 2025
It is with much sadness that I write this statement of my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Brack family. Barbara was my mentor, a guardian angle to so many inner city youth and the advisor and ambassador of Uptown Troops Color Guard, a Mentor and Sponsorship Youth Program. Barbara and Reg were the wind beneath Uptown wings and my friends! Her giving spirit and caring heart will be missed, Barbara take your much deserve rest, as you have earned your wings, I thank you, the youth thank and the countless animals you have saved and cared for thank you!!! You have given me life lessons and your memory will live in my heart forever. Thank you for introducing me to Buddy, my first time every seeing a pet house pig and who knew that they sold pig chow at the grocery store, being around you was always adventure and I enjoyed every mintue. Continue to SIP my dear friend!
How you can show support
Donna L Clarke
February 2, 2025
She was the first person I met when we moved to Greenwich. She took me under her wing like any another lost animal.
We shared our love of reading and so much more - oh! how we laughed.
Thank you, Barbara
Allyson Halm
February 1, 2025
Indeed Barbara's kindness and compassion will be remembered.
I had the privilege of sharing time with Barbara working in the animal rescue world and she was always there to help. Loved visiting her at home and hanging out with Bud. We live on in spirit and memories.
Marnie Crossen Bell
January 25, 2025
So very sad to hear Barbara has left us.We had so many adventures and misadventures together in St. Louis .We studied typing at Miss Rubicam´s business college and left at first break each day to have breakfast at the George Washington Hotel, failing the course, a surprise only to our parents.We redeemed ourselves later by rescuing a young man (Mr. Wren)who was failing a logic course at Washington U., carting him back to Barbara´s and imparting our vast expertise in all things logical.He passed with D- . Another time we rescued a wounded box turtle from the side of the road at 2:00 AM, rushed it to the vet and still feel bad about agreeing to allow it to be euthanized .This is just the tip of the iceberg.Barbara, you have been a true kindred spirit to so many. We miss you.
Marnie Crossen Bell
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Brack's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more