Barbara J. (Hnisdo) Smith

Barbara Jean Smith (Hnisdo) passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 2nd, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was the daughter of the late Gladys Hnisdo, born on December 23rd, 1948, in East Islip Terrace, New York. As the oldest of three, Barbara’s life revolved around her family and her Catholic faith from a very young age. 

At 18, Barbara joined the United States Army, where she met her late husband and best friend, Donald Smith. The two married on January 15th, 1972, sharing a daughter and almost 41 years together before Donald’s passing in 2013. 

Barbara loved her country, serving herself as well as being a proud military wife. She worked as a dental hygienist on Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she resided and raised her daughter alongside her husband and cherished dachshund, Danny. 

In her later years, Barbara was a member of The Catholic Daughters of America and often gave back to her community and those around her. You’d often find her in the garden, with her hands in the dirt, or helping out at church where she could.

Barbara Jean was a force of nature. To know Barbara was to know true selflessness, unconditional love and a fiery spirit that just didn’t quit. It is those same qualities that will keep her alive in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. 

To her family, she was known as “Bob” or “Rabbit;” to her grandchildren, she was “Nan-nan.”

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanette Smith Hoke and son-in-law, Philip Hoke; grandchildren, Bailee Norma Jean, Madison Barbara Jean, and Hannah Evelyn Jean Hoke of Mohawk; brothers, James(Nancy) Hnisdo of Texas, and Butch Hnisdo of Florida; life-long friends, Jim and Diane Rowlett of North Carolina; and her grumpy chihuahua, Pico. 

We will all see you again, Nan, waiting at the East Gate with Pop. We know you’ll be waving. Thank you for everything. 

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

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