Our beautiful 86 year young mother, grandmother, and dear friend died peacefully on July 11, 2021 in Pasadena, CA
Our beautiful 86 year young mother, grandmother, and dear friend died peacefully on July 11, 2021 in Pasadena, CA surrounded by family, love and music. She is survived by her three children – Susan Smiley (Jim McMenamin), Richard Smiley (Donna), and Monica Campitelli (Kirk), and three grandchildren – Jordan Smiley, Sydney Smiley, and Nicholas McMenamin. Additionally, she will be remembered by extended family and many close friends.
Barbara was born in 1934 in Merrill, WI to Louis F. Jopke and Grace E. Bruenning. She spent her childhood in Eau Claire, WI. As an only child, she enjoyed fun times with her many cousins and friends. Her first horse, Captain Midnight, was acquired when she was 7 years old. After she and her husband Bob built their ranch in northern Florida, she would go on to own several horses over the years. She also loved helping establish an animal shelter, Partners for Pets in Marianna, FL, where she spent many years caring for the animals.
Barbara made many good friends over the years: her close girlfriends from growing up in Eau Claire, friends from her travels on the boat Bee Gee and in the RV they took around the US and Canada, and good friends from Cottondale and Pompano Beach. She loved entertaining and visiting with them!
In 2017, she moved to CA to be closer to family. We enjoyed many special times with her. Mom (Grammy) we will never forget you and your spunky personality.
The family thanks the caregivers at Pasadena Highlands and Vitas Hospice for their loving care of Mom.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 am at Brown Funeral Home in Chipley, FL. A celebration of life is being planned for southern CA in the fall.
Those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory may donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or Partners for Pets in Marianna, FL.
