Barbara Ann Smith

Barbara Ann Smith, age 75, of Bethlehem Twp., NJ, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.

Born on February 1, 1951, raised in Elizabeth and Linden NJ, she was the daughter of the late George and Ruth (Lund) Yekel.

Barbara graduated from Linden High School in 1969, and went on to Raritan Valley Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Accounting, and Paralegal studies. She started working at Hunterdon Medical Center as a keypunch operator in 1975 and retired as executive assistant to the CIO.

She was the wife of Joseph R. Smith, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. They met on a blind date and later married in 1969. While her husband served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam, she continued her education and briefly lived in Georgia. In 1972, Barbara and Joseph moved to Bethlehem Twp, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

Barbara enjoyed traveling the world, continuing her education, and volunteering for her community. In 1977, she became a member of the Asbury Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and was later elected treasurer. She also served as treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 191 and VFW Post 5119.

Barbara was a devoted mother and a loving wife. She is survived by her husband, Joseph, and her son Jayson Smith of Washington, DC. She was predeceased by her sisters Janet Mulnar, and Linda McClay. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2:00- 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., both at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Burial will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Barbara’s name to the Franklin Twp. Fire Department, P.O. Box 43, Broadway, NJ 08808. or the Ladies Auxiliary Post 5119 at 179 Main Street, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826.

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