Lasting Memories

Barbara Smith
Oct. 3, 1931-April 7, 2021
Menlo Park, California

Barbara Janssen Smith, age 89 passed away peacefully on April 7, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Albert E. Smith, her three children and their spouses, Lynn and Bob Currie, Tad and Serena Smith and Craig and Lica Smith, along with her eight grandchildren, Ashley, Spencer, Kelsey, Alyssa, Riley, Albert, Brody and Thomas. She also is survived by her sister in laws, Rosemary Janssen, Barbara Turner and Betty Terry, and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Barbara was born on October 3, 1931, to Emma and Arthur Janssen of Atherton, and lived and worked in the Bay Area all her life. She went to John Gill Elementary, McKinley Junior High, Sequoia High School and graduated from San Jose State University. While in college, she studied art and interior design and she served as president of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. After graduation, she worked at Sunset Magazine, where she developed enthusiasm for gourmet cooking and entertaining, talents thoroughly enjoyed over the years by family and friends. In 1957, she was introduced to Albert, an inspiring artist, on a blind date. They wed in 1959 and opened the Atherton Gallery of Menlo Park, which they successfully ran together for 47 years. In the early years, Barbara paired her interior design career with the gallery endeavors. Later she shifted her energies to raising a family while still managing the gallery and supporting her husband’s art career.  As a young adult, she travelled extensively with her parents, and her love for travel continued during her married years. She and Albert ventured around the US, Europe and Asia for pleasure and art related trips, as well as, vacations with their children and grandchildren. She adored animals and spending time with her beloved pets.  Barbara was a devoted and loving mom, grandmother and aunt. Her strongest passion was cultivating and spending time with family. Nothing sparked more happiness for Barbara than being at a family gathering. Her joy would radiate through her smiling eyes and warm embraces, and could be felt when she enthusiastically shared meals, recipes, stories, photos and family history. She has left us with wonderful memories to cherish and will be truly missed by all those her life touched!