Mrs. Barbara L. Smith

July 11, 1922 - March 4, 2022

Barbara Lois (Lacatell) Smith, 99, passed quietly from the natural effects of aging on March 4th, 2022 at BMC. She was born in Pittsfield, July 11, 1922, to Louis and Lois I. (Sweener) Lacatell. She met her husband of 67 years, the late Daniel E. Smith, Jr., at the GE where they were both working in the Plastics Division. She leaves their five sons—Daniel E. III (Laura White) of Baker, WV; David of Brookline, NH; Gordon (Roberta) of Pittsfield; Glenn (Diana) of Merrimac, MA; and Steven of Stephentown, NY. She also leaves eight grandchildren—Daniel IV, Jessica, Aleida, David Jr., Deidra, Jessica, Shannon, and Beth; and fifteen great-grandchildren—Alexandra, Conner, Nicholas, Aidan, Curran, Johanna, Ava, Meredith, Arianna, Christopher, Alexa, Emma, Morgan, Anna, and Ethan; along with several nieces and nephews. Barbara lived all but three of her years in Pittsfield, attending public schools, and graduating from Pittsfield High with the Class of 1940. In recent years, Barbara organized the class’s 70th and 75th reunions. Barbara enjoyed visiting with her extended family—her husband has remarked she was related to half of Pittsfield! She enjoyed tag sales, road trips, and camping with family and longtime friends. Barbara said she cooked to feed herself, but that she enjoyed baking. She was a willing caregiver to the elderly, including her mother who she described as her best friend. An amateur artist, she enjoyed art classes and the associations she made there. She produced many works in oils, watercolors, charcoal, and pastels—some quite good. Barbara was a lifelong member of Morningside Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, was a past president of the Women’s League, and a member of the Naomi Circle. She was well suited for playing the quintessential Grandmother in one of their Christmas pageants. In addition to her husband, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Richard F. Lacatell, and a nephew, Thomas A. Lacatell. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff of BMC that made her comfortable in her last days. The family plans to hold a celebration around the time of her birthday in July. Funeral Notice: At this time, there will be no formal funeral services for Barbara. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to the American Red Cross, the Alzheimer’s Association, a Veterans organization, or your other favorite charity, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield MA 01201.