Barbara Elizabeth Smigel, born on April 28, 1946, in Homer, New York, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024 after a long illness at the age of 78.

Barbara was the beloved daughter of Dr. Lloyd “Doc” F. Haverly and Elizabeth “Betty” (née Chambers) Haverly. As a young girl, Barbara worked alongside her grandmother at the family-owned Delaware Telephone Co. in upstate New York. Barbara’s life was marked by her passion for the arts, interior design, and volunteering, which she pursued with vigor wherever she lived.

As a young mother, Barbara co-founded a preschool in Auburn, New York, at her large farmhouse on Center Street Road. She was an accomplished watercolor artist. Her artistic talent and love for animals were constants throughout her life. She generously shared her creativity and enthusiasm for the arts with her four grandchildren and many friends in Auburn, N.Y., Savannah, Ga., and Gloucester, Va. Barbara cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, always doting on them during visits in an endless pursuit of amping up the fun-factor.

Barbara was a dedicated volunteer at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, where she helped organize fundraising events to support the organization’s mission (and the adoption of her beloved rescue dogs, Sophie and Tucker).

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jeffrey A. Smigel. She will be deeply missed by her two sons, Jason Smigel and his wife Allison of Alexandria, Va., and Austin Smigel and his wife Amy of Savannah. Barbara had a special place in her heart for each of her four grandchildren: Aden and Gigi of Alexandria, and Mason and Tess of Savannah. Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Fred, and is survived by her sister, Nancy Hindes of Friendsville, Tenn.

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, there will be no formal services or calling hours. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society at https://www.gmhumanesociety.org/donate.html.