Obituary of Barbara A. Smedley

Barbara Gunhild Astrid Forsberg (Johnson) Smedley passed away peacefully at the Heritage Village in Gerry New York on June 13, 2016, at 12:32 p.m. surrounded by loved ones. She had lived at the Heritage Village since November 2011 and previously at 208 Dearing Avenue for 32 years. The family is grateful to all at the nursing home for her fine care and the kindness she received there. From her birth on February 27, 1923 in Karlskoga, Varmland, Sweden, Barbara was a vibrant, gifted person with who loved life and who strove to be a perfect mother, grandmother, wife and housekeeper. She devoted her life to these goals. She was the beloved second daughter of Carl and Gunhild Forsberg of Sweden and Fluvanna, New York. Barbara emigrated from Sweden to Jamestown in 1927 with her parents and older sister, Ingrid, on the Gripsholm, a ship which carried many Swedish immigrants to their new homes in America. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years. An honor roll graduate of Jamestown High School, 1941, Barbara enjoyed her high school years. She sang as an alto in the JHS A Capella choir and was a varsity cheerleader. Many of her JHS friends remained lifelong friends. She worked briefly at Duramold during WWII, at Jamestown General Hospital for seven years and as a bookkeeper for Edwards' Menswear Store in the early 1980's. Later in life, she studied art at Jamestown Community College and enjoyed oil painting and water color. Barbara loved her gardens and her music. She studied classical piano as a young woman and was a gifted musician. She enjoyed playing cards with her husband Fred, who died in 2011, and going for rides with her daughters in the hills of Chautauqua County. She loved all animals and welcomed many into her home over her lifespan. She valued the English language and gave that gift to her daughters. In addition to playing music, Barbara loved to dance. Barbara was the wife of Raymond A. Johnson of Jamestown from 1943 – 1966; she was the wife of Fred Smedley from 1973-2011. She was preceded in death by her mother Gunhild Forsberg, her father Carl Forsberg and her sister Ingrid, all of whom passed away in 1977. Barbara is survived by her daughters Priscilla (Vicky) Johnson Barone and Sandy Johnson Robison of Jamestown, her granddaughter Brooke Barone and her grandsons Aryl Robison and Brennan Robison as well as several great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 23 at 11 a. m. at the Fluvanna Cemetery followed by a gathering of friends and family. All will be welcomed. Donations in her name may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society 2825 Strunk Road Jamestown, NY 14701.