Barbara Smothermon

Barbara Jean Smothermon

May 27, 1941 – September 3, 2021

Barbara Jean Smothermon of Portage, IN passed away September 3, 2021 after an awe-inspiring fours and a half year journey with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She was born May 27, 1941 to John and Katherine (Markovich) Gedda.

An unsurpassingly creative person, Barbara was passionate about the arts as a painter, florist, opera devotee, voracious reader and gifted quilter who crafted family heirlooms that will be treasured for many years and generations.

No one understood the majesty and power of prayer more than Barbara. Her spiritual presence and grace will endure timelessly in every family member’s heart, as will her selfless generosity and smile.

Barbara Smothermon was even more than the most devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother one could ever find, she was every family member’s best friend. Barbara was a mentor, confidant, and companion, the first phone call made to share exciting news with or to seek guidance or solace from. She was infinitely loved and will be desperately missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Smothermon, her children Charles (Paige) Smothermon of Benton Harbor, MI, Joni (Daniel) Miller of La Porte, Jennifer (Michael) Hansen of Ogden Dunes, Jonna (Gary) Paglicci of Portage, Jocelyn (Robert) Stowell of La Porte, sisters Joan (David) Kvachkoff of Island Park, ID, and Mary Coates of Englewood, CO, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by daughter Joy Ellen Smothermon.

The family will celebrate her life in a private service at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project, two foundations that Barbara faithfully supported or the Lyric Opera of Chicago where she and her husband were longtime subscription members.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home 602 Maple Ave. La Porte, IN 46350.

On-line condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com