Barbara H. Smatana

Barbara H. Smatana passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2010. There will be no visitation. A private family remembrance will be held at a later date. Barbara was born in Chicago, IL to Jerry and Helen Harrison on May 13, 1940. She always embraced life. Barbara was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by her soulmate and beloved husband, John F. Smatana; brother, Wyman P. Harrison and wife Doris of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Judy Golley of The Woodlands, TX; three wonderful daughters: Durette Candito and husband Michael of Las Vegas, NM, Cecilia Bemis and husband Todd of Bacova, VA and Michelle Tabacchi and husband Tony of Albuquerque, NM; John's children: Monica Blaschke and husband Jim of Sandia Park, NM, Gus Smatana of El Paso, TX, Bernard Smatana of El Paso, TX, Beckie Baird and husband Doug of Albuquerque, NM and John J. Smatana and wife Caroline of Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren: Amberleigh Malone and husband Roy, Aiesha Apodaca, Matthew Bemis, Eli Rios and Bradley Rajala; two great-grandchildren: Haley Judith and Jackson Charles Malone; John's grandchildren: Kara Blaschke, Jared Blaschke and wife Christi, Chris Smatana, Cassie Smatana, Allie Smatana, Dennis Ryan Smatana, Lauren Baird and Logan Baird. Barbara will be remembered for her many years of Girl Scouting in Deming, NM. She was the director of the summer day camp. Barbara was a scout leader and neighborhood chairman. Through her many hours of service, she received the "Thanks Badge", the highest award given to volunteers in Girl Scouting. She was a member-at-large on the Rio Grande Council Board of Directors. Also in Deming, while working for the Soil Conservation office, Barbara established the first outdoor classroom at Sunshine School. In Santa Fe, Barbara, worked for the New Mexico State Legislature for six years. She also worked for St. Vincent Hospital in the Dept. of Development. She and her committee put together the first tennis tournament featuring local talent and members of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. As the tournament grew each year, members of the Dallas Cowboys football team were also participants. Many funds were raised to benefit the hospital. Continuing her field of fundraising, Barbara worked for the New Mexico Hospital Association putting on many conventions throughout the state. After retiring, Barbara and John built their own home near Heron Lake. After five years of record snowfall they retired to warm Carlsbad, NM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Carlsbad Public Library, 101 South Halagueno Street, Carlsbad, NM or the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas Blvd., N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.