Barbara Smith

Barbara J. Smith, 69, of Sheboygan, passed away Monday, May 27, 2013 at the Sharon Richardson Community Hospice, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous nine year battle with lung cancer. She was born in Sheboygan on June 16, 1943, a daughter of Harry and Dorothy (Reichardt) Ostermann. On July 9, 1960 Barbara Ostermann married the love of her life, James Smith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rhinelander. Together the couple moved to Sheboygan in 1961, and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2010. Jim preceded her in death on October 12, 2010. Barbara had a long career with the J.C. Penney store in Sheboygan, starting in 1974 working at the old candy counter. The next year she transferred to fine jewelry, spending 26 years in a department that brought her friendships with regular customers and bonds with her co-workers, retiring in 2001. Barbara enjoyed traveling with her husband to many different destinations; she also enjoyed bus trips and playing bingo and slots with her family friends, Chuck and Linda Lesperance. She also treasured her time with her children and grandchildren, and was very proud to become a great-grandma. A gifted seamstress, Barbara enjoyed making American Girl doll clothes for her grandchildren. She had a strong will to live and enjoyed life, despite chronic health issues. She showed her family the value of perseverance and patience. Mom was a kind, thoughtful and generous person to all those she touched. Barbara is survived by three daughters Laurie (Kevin) Rossdeutscher of Waukesha, Debbie (Jeff) Meise of Sheboygan, and Sherri (Wayne) Pakkebier of Sheboygan. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren: Daniel, Tara Bender, and Rachel Rossdeutscher, Ryne (Brittany) Meise, Mark, John, Kristin and Kelsey Meise, Brandon and Sarah Pakkebier, a great-granddaughter, Emma Meise, her mother; Dorothy Ostermann Schad of Plymouth, two sisters; Judy (Bo) Scott of Kohler and Elaine (Jerry) Mueller of Random Lake, two brothers; Charles (Melanie) Ostermann of Rhinelander and Russell (Kris) Ostermann of Rhinelander. She is further survived by her foster brother, Randy Dallman of Rhinelander, father-in-law, Lloyd Smith of Rhinelander, two brothers-in-law; Robert (Kelly) Smith of Bartlett, IL and Bruce (Nancy) Smith, a sister-in-law Betty (Roger) Cooper all of Rhinelander, and special family friends Chuck and Linda Lesperance, and her special aunt, Carol "Honey" Primasing, and Jesse Lancour, who was like a grandson. In addition to her husband and father, Harry Ostermann, she was preceded in death by her grandson Kyle, her mother-in-law, Isabelle Smith, and a brother-in-law Richard Smith. Funeral services for Barbara will be held Friday May 31, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at Calvin Christian Reformed Church (2313 Saemann Ave.). The Reverend Rob Sizemore will officiate. Friends may call on Friday, at church, from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established to the Sheboygan County Cancer Fund or Sharon Richardson Community Hospice in her name. Barb's family wishes to thank the staff of Matthews Oncology and the staff of Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. H. Marshall Matthews for caring for mom like she was family.

Visitation and Funeral Service

2013-05-31
9:00
11:00

Calvin Christian Reformed Church






Visitation and Funeral Service

2013-05-31
11:00


Calvin Christian Reformed Church
2313 Saemann Avenue
Sheboygan
WI