Barbara C Smith

Barbara C. Smith (Smitty) of Riverside, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on December 7, 1940, in Providence, RI, Barbara spent her final years at Steere House, surrounded by the people and places she loved.

A graduate of Westbrook Junior College in 1961, Barbara dedicated her professional life to the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island. Over her 40-year tenure, she served as an executive staff member, contributing significantly to the organization in various capacities. Barbara was instrumental in program development, adult training, and the nurturing of camp staff. Her efforts in fund development, particularly through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale and Calendar Sales, were pivotal, and her dedication was recognized with the prestigious Thanks Badge from GSRI.

Barbara's commitment to her community extended beyond her professional endeavors. She served as an active board member of the South Providence Neighborhood Ministries for many years, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to service. Her generosity and thoughtfulness were further exemplified by her regular delivery of food donations to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen three mornings a week.

Known for her sincerity, kindness, and commitment, Barbara was a beacon of hope and compassion to all who knew her. She is survived by her loving partner, Linda Michalczyk, who shared in her life's journey and community spirit, and her cousin, Kim Neilsson, of Modesto, CA. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary (McNeal) and Maurice Smith,

A Celebration of Life will be held at Swan Point Cemetery, in the Redwood Chapel, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI, on Friday, July 11, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9 am, followed by the service at 10 am, with interment immediately afterward.

Barbara's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received from the caregivers and staff at The Steere House in Providence over the past six years. Special thanks are also extended to Hope Health Hospice for their additional support in the weeks preceding her passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to steerehouse.org or www.hopehealthco.org, in memory of Barbara's generous spirit and enduring legacy. She will be dearly missed, but her impact will be felt for generations to come. https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care/ or steerehouse.org.