On November 6, 2023, Barb passed away peacefully at home with her loving companion, dog, Christy by her side. Born in Claresholm, Alberta in 1947, Barb was the daughter of the late John and May Stelter. Barb was raised in a military family where her father was posted in various RCAF bases throughout Canada and Germany.

Upon graduation from high school, Barb completed her Registered Nursing training at St. John’s General Hospital in Newfoundland. After a brief service in the RCAF as a nursing sister, Barb married Elliott Smith in Victoria, BC in Chapel by the Sea on March 21, 1971. Barb and Elliott were married for 53 years. They lived in many places throughout Canada during Elliott’s naval career.

Barb will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Elliott and two children, Tara of Ottawa and Scott (Aki) of Guelph, Ontario. Barb was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Andy, Leo, Minato, Sona, and Emma. Barb is survived by her only sister, Judith (Joe) Freamo.

In addition to her family, Barbara’s passions in life were her crafting and her great love for dogs; Golden Retrievers in particular. Family and friends looked forward to receiving her beautiful handmade gifts. Barb was very talented and highly skilled in a wide variety of craftsmanship including cross stitching, quilting, oil painting, etc. She also ran a dog obedience training school in cooperation with Shurgain Feeds and Needs. Barb was known for her generosity, kindness, and wry sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro where a  funeral service will be held 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Reverend April Hart officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Bible Hill Cemetery with a reception to follow at the family home. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Barb’s obituary online and selecting a condolence at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com