Barbara J. Smithof New Kensington, PASurrounded by the family she lovingly nurtured, Barbara Smith passed away at home on December 14, 2012 at age 83, after a tenacious battle with lung cancer, which she handled with determined grace.Barb was born on November 29, 1929 to Ernest Schwab and Mary (Boland) Schwab in Arnold Pennsylvania.She spent a happy childhood living in the Parnassus neighborhood of New Kensington and the Kinlock area of Lower Burrell and maintained lifelong friends from this period of her life. She graduated from Plum High School in 1948 and attended the New Kensington Commercial School. After commercial school, she secured employment with Alcoa WearEver Aluminum in New Kensington where she worked from 1950 through 1955. Barb had a strong work ethic. During her high school years, she helped support her family by working at the candy counter at Murphy's in New Kensington as well as the Keystone Dairy. In her adulthood, she worked for many years at the United Dairy Farms store in Lower Burrell.She married the love of her life, J. Walter Smith, in October of 1955 after meeting him at a square dance. She devoted herself to her family and their happiness. She was always a willing participant in any activity that supported her children including serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and selling concessions at Little League games. She traveled with her husband throughout the United States and Europe. Late in life, she became skilled at gluten free cooking to support her husband's dietary restrictions.Barb's love was a large part of her granddaughter's lives. She delighted in their activities and was a proud and consistent presence at choral concerts, swim meets, dance recitals, or any event where her grandchildren were engaged. Barb was a person of durable faith and effortlessly led her life by Christian principles. Feeling a call, she took herself to be baptized at the Parnassus Presbyterian Church as a child. She served that church in many capacities by helping with church dinners, teaching Vacation Bible School, producing the church newsletter and many other activities. After a merger produced the United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington, she was elected an Elder of the church and served as head of the worship committee. A regular visitor to People's Library in New Kensington, she was a lifelong reader and often relaxed with a good book and cup of tea. She swam from early childhood and liked her daily swims at the YMCA throughout her life. Barb participated in bowling leagues with her husband and played scrabble with a good-natured competitiveness. She enjoyed playing cards and participated in card clubs throughout her life. At a wedding celebration, you could always find Barb joyously dancing on the dance floor. Polkas and jitterbugs were particular favorites.Barb's kindness and caring manner made her a friend to everyone. Even people she met casually would be drawn to Barb's honest and accepting personality. Longtime friends and family members knew they had a sympathetic and supportive ear with her. Barb loved young children and they were always gathered into her arms with a warm embrace. Her laughter was a welcome and enduring part of family gatherings.She is survived by her husband of 57 years, J. Walter Smith and her sons Jim (Kathy) of O'Hara Township and Doug (Carin) of McMurray as well as her grandchildren Emily Sundy (John), Hillary Smith, and Jenna Smith. She is also survived by her sister Marian Williams (George) of Oakmont, her brother Ernie of Lower Burrell and her life long friend Dolores ('Do-Do') Slack of Lower Burrell. Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive her.She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Gregory Alan, her sister Louise Zeiler, her brother-in-law David Zeiler, and her sister-in-law Roberta Schwab.Family and friends are invited from 2-4 AND 6-8 PM on Monday, December 17, at the CHURCHFIELD-PETERS FUNERAL HOME, 501 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068 (724-335-1951). Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the United Presbyterian Church, 601 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068 with the Reverend Colin Yuckman, officiating assisted by Rev. Clifford Buell (EVERYONE IS ASKED TO MEET AT THE CHURCH). Burial will follow at the Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, PA. For on line condolences please visit us at www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.comTHOSE WISHING MAY MAKE MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE: Instead of flowers, the family requests honoring Barb's life and memory with a donation to the Valley Points Family YMCA (800 Constitution Blvd, New Kensington PA 15068), People's Library of New Kensington (880 Barnes St, New Kensington PA 15068) or the United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington (601 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington PA 15068).

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