Obituary: Barbara “Bobbie”McLeod Smith, 89, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Barbara “Bobbie” McLeod Smith, 89, a long-time resident of Guilford passed away on January 24, 2022 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was a resident of Evergreen Woods at the time. She is survived by Frederick, her husband of sixty-six years, her son Frederick Jr (Maryanne) of Yardley, PA, her daughter Deborah Hathaway (Thomas) of Norwell, MA, her son Brendan (Susan) of Guilford, CT and her son Patrick (Susanna) of Essex, CT. Emily Smith predeceased her grandmother.

Barbara was born in Providence, RI, daughter of Deborah Nichols and Arthur W. McLeod on August 25, 1932. She grew up in Jamestown, RI after moving there with her family at the age of two. She attended elementary school in Jamestown and then joined the other Jamestowners who rode the ferry to Newport each day to attend Rogers High School. Upon graduation, Barbara moved to Boston where she earned a degree at Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene.

Barbara and Fred were married in May 1955 in Newport. Following Fred’s graduation from Naval (OCS) they spent five years moving about as a military family. In 1959 they made their home in Guilford where they brought up their four children.

While bringing up their children in Guilford, Barbara returned to school and earned her BS and MS in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. In 1970, she began her second career and spent 21 years teaching mathematics to middle school students in Guilford.

During retirement Barbara developed a love for bridge and enjoyed competitive play. She and Fred loved traveling together and began their “Continent Quest” following retirement. Favorite trips included Russia, Egypt, China (especially the Great Wall), Antarctica, the Amazon and her homeland, Scotland.

Most of all Bobbie loved spending time with her grandchildren Seana, Conor, Elizabeth, Kate, Kelsea, Rebecca, Nathan, Patrick, Delaina, Emmaline, Samuel, and Frederick III (Sam). She shared her passion for reading with each and every one of them and enjoyed spending time engaged in their activities. She cherished her time with her great-grandchildren Henry, Stowe, Daniel and Gray.

Due to COVID services and burial were held privately by the family. There will be a celebration of Barbara’s life to be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Barbara’s memory; CT Chapter200 Executive Blvd, Suite # 4B Southington, CT 06489 https://www.alz.org/ct