Obituary of Barbara Srodkowska Smith

Barbara Halina Srodkowska was born in Warsaw, Poland on June 1, 1920. She lived there with her family until the German bombing of Warsaw in 1939. She was then separated from her family and marched out of Poland to be housed in a work camp outside of Leipzig, Germany. After Allied Forces liberated the camp, Barbara took a convoy train to Paris, France and began work as a translator for the Red Cross. During her time in Paris, she met and began correspondence with a handsome Army Medic, Walter James Smith. After the war, Barbara traveled to the United States and on June 17, 1947 she married Mr. Smith in Norfolk, Virginia. Together they successfully ran a furniture store, and Barbara continued to provide translation services for foreign ships in the port. Her talents also included singing opera arias and teaching ballroom dancing. She was a devout Catholic and excellent gardener. Barbara was a polygot, fluent in numerous languages and proficient in still more. She passed away in the presence of her two daughters in Melbourne, FL on November 30, 2014. Her husband Walter James Smith predeceased her. She is survived by her daughters Jacqueline Malinowska and Margaret Mrzyglocki. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Elaine Malinowski, Sharon Malinowski, Phillip Mrzyglocki and Thomas Mrzyglocki; as well as one great-granddaughter Amanda Gaucher. She will be remembered for her grace, piety, devotion and her love. Arrangements entrusted to Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Melbourne, (321) 724-2222.