Barbara D. Risi

Barbara (Dove) Risi, 92, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at the Hebrew Home in West Hartford. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut on May 1, 1933, the daughter of the late William Dove and Gertrude Hayes Timmons Dove. Barbara was a proud graduate of Weaver High School. She built a long and dedicated career marked by a strong work ethic, retiring from Security Insurance Company, Loring Studios, and Finley Printers.

Barbara was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her life grounded in unwavering faith. Gospel music, virtual church services, and the Word of God brought her comfort and joy when she could no longer attend in person. God was always first in her life. In her own words, "I know Him and He is real." Her life was rooted in faith, family, and love.

Barbara had a special way of making others feel cherished. Her warm greetings carried a love that could be felt instantly. She spent decades caring for family members and friends when she was in better health, offering her time, wisdom, meals, support, and transportation to anyone in need. Whether someone was aging, ill, grieving, or simply needed a helping hand, Barbara was there-trusted, loyal, faithful, and true.

She enjoyed cooking and baking, and her specialties were well known and well loved: Seafood Alfredo, lima beans, baked beans, sweet potato custard, blueberry pie, and her famous lemonade. Barbara was also stylish and elegant, with a fondness for beautiful hats. She was always impeccably dressed-a true lady of class, dignity, style, and grace. Meticulous and orderly in every aspect of her life, she took pride in her home, her appearance, and her business affairs.

Barbara loved traveling and going on cruises, often forming lifelong friendships along the way. She enjoyed watching "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy," working on crossword puzzles, and playing "Scrabble" with her grandchildren. Her family was her heart and her joy.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Kevin Smith Sr. of Hartford, CT; her grandchildren, Kevin Smith Jr. of Hartford, CT, and Torie Smith of Augusta, GA; and five great grandchildren, JaKari, Ja'Nya, Kiera, Khloe and Shawn, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves a devoted daughter in law, Arlene Smith. Special thanks are extended to her devoted nieces Rhonda Niles, Debra Rucker, and Donna Benefield, as well as to her other nieces and nephews. A very special acknowledgment is given to her nephew, Gilbert Hampton, for his many years of love, time, and unwavering devotion.

Barbara was predeceased by her three sisters: Ernestine White, Harriette Rucker, and Beverly Johnson.

Her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.