Barbara Ann Smith

Barbara Ann Smith, 82, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Van Buren after a short battle with dementia. She was born in Caribou, Maine, on April 14, 1943, the daughter of the late Thomas and Avis (Hale) Grant.

Barbara graduated from Caribou High School in 1961 and began her career at Caribou Motor Company that same year at the age of 18. She continued her work there through many years and ownership changes, retiring in 2008 following the passing of her husband, Darrel.

Her favorite pastimes included visiting with friends, playing cards, and enjoying time at camp on Square Lake. She loved listening to the “Oldie Goldies” on Saturday nights from the screen room, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and sharing pizza on Friday nights, one of her favorite traditions. Barbara also enjoyed many “girls’ trips” downstate, where casino visits and laughter were always on the agenda.

Even as her memory began to fade, one thing Barbara never lost was her strength and determination. She faced every hardship in life; losing her husband and daughter, her own health challenges, even a broken hip, with resilience and grace. As one nurse put it in her final hours, “She’s one strong woman.”

Barbara will be remembered fondly for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Her door was always open, her heart always full, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Darrel Smith; her daughter, Michele Theriault; her brothers, Lloyd and Keith Grant; and her sister, Ellen Mae Michaud.

She is survived by her grandson, Tyler Theriault and his wife Lindsey of Stockholm, and their daughters, Elsie and Anastasia; and by her granddaughter, Laura Woodward and her partner Ryan Beal of Cherryfield. Barbara is also survived by several loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were like family to her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, from 11AM until time of services which will be held at 1PM from the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Ron Rosser officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Those who wish to contribute in memory of Barbara are asked to do so through National Parents of Murdered Children, 635 West 7th Street, Suite 307, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 or at https://www.pomc.org/ a cause that was near to Barbara’s heart.