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Barbara Smits - A Life Connected To Public View

Barbara – Artofit

Jul 17, 2025
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Barbara – Artofit

There are some people whose lives, though lived with a quiet sort of grace, become known to a broader group because of their connections to public figures. Barbara Smits, for instance, was one such individual, someone whose story, while personal, touched upon the world of entertainment through her past association. Her time with us, though it came to a close some years ago, still brings up thoughts for those who remember her, especially those who followed the career of her former husband. It's a look at a life that, in some respects, moved between private moments and a more visible existence.

She was, in a way, a person who lived a life that many could relate to, with a career, a family, and personal experiences that shaped her path. Her story involves a period of marriage, the bringing up of children, and a professional life that spanned a good number of years. We often find ourselves curious about the lives of those connected to people we see on screens or hear about in the news, and Barbara Smits is certainly one of those figures whose narrative holds a particular kind of interest for many.

So, this piece is about her, really, about the parts of her life that became known, and the quiet dignity with which she seems to have lived. It's a chance to consider the person behind the name, someone who made her own contributions and left her own mark, even as she shared a part of her journey with a well-known actor. It's a way to appreciate the full scope of her life, from its beginnings to its conclusion, and to remember the family she leaves behind.

Table of Contents

A Look at the Life of Barbara Smits

Barbara Smits, an American woman, came into the world on November 27, 1955, within the United States. She was, in a way, someone who embodied the spirit of her birth country. Her astrological sign was Sagittarius, for those who find meaning in such things. Information about her early family life, such as the names of her parents or any siblings, is not something that has been made public. Similarly, details about her cousins, grandparents, or other relatives are, quite frankly, not available to the general public. This suggests a desire for privacy around those very personal connections, which is, you know, perfectly understandable for many people.

Her life path eventually led her to a significant relationship. She entered into a marriage with an actor named Jimmy Smits in the year 1980. This partnership, which brought two people together, continued for six years. By 1987, their marital connection came to an end. During their time together, they welcomed two children into their family. The bringing up of children is, of course, a very central part of many people's lives, and it certainly was for Barbara. After the divorce, Barbara continued to live in Brooklyn, New York, with her children, Taina and Joaquin. This arrangement, according to a publicist for her former husband, was handled in a way that was, in some respects, quite agreeable given the circumstances. It shows a certain level of maturity and care in how they handled a difficult situation, which is, you know, a good thing to see.

Beyond her personal life, Barbara Smits also had a professional existence that spanned a good deal of time. She started her work on the Ithaca campus in 1981. This was, actually, a significant commitment, as she remained with the company for a period of 29 years. To dedicate nearly three decades to one place of employment really speaks to a person's character and their ability to contribute consistently over a long stretch. Her career, though perhaps not as widely known as her former husband's, was clearly a meaningful part of her own identity and daily routine. It shows a steady hand and a dedication to her chosen path, which is something many people can appreciate.

Sadly, Barbara Smits' life came to an end on April 16, 2010. She was 54 years old when she passed away. The cause of her passing was complications from pneumonia. It's a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, and how quickly things can change. She is survived by her two children, Taina and Joaquin Smits, who carry on her memory. Her story, though it includes moments of public interest due to her connections, also holds a very human narrative of life, family, work, and eventual loss. It’s a life that, in a way, reminds us of the many different paths people take and the quiet strength often found within them.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Barbara Smits

DetailInformation
Full NameBarbara Smits
Date of BirthNovember 27, 1955
Place of BirthUnited States of America
NationalityAmerican
Astrological SignSagittarius
Date of PassingApril 16, 2010
Age at Passing54 years old
Cause of PassingPneumonia complications
Former SpouseJimmy Smits (married 1980, divorced 1987)
ChildrenTaina Smits, Joaquin Smits
Career Start1981 (on the Ithaca campus)
Years of Service29 years (at Ithaca)
Parents/Siblings InfoNot publicly available

Who Was Barbara Smits?

Barbara Smits was, at her core, an American woman who, for a period of her life, was married to the actor Jimmy Smits. She was born in the United States, as mentioned, in 1955. Her life, you know, had its own rhythm, separate from the bright lights of Hollywood, even though she was connected to that world through her husband. She was someone who built a life, had a career, and raised a family, much like many people do. Her presence, in a way, was a quiet counterpoint to the more public persona of her former spouse.

Her story is, in some respects, a look at the personal side of someone connected to fame. She lived a life that involved a long-term professional commitment, working at the Ithaca campus for almost three decades. That kind of dedication really speaks volumes about a person's work ethic and their ability to maintain a steady presence in their chosen field. She was, quite simply, a person who had her own life, her own responsibilities, and her own journey, which, actually, is something that often gets overlooked when someone is primarily known for their association with another individual.

Even after her marriage ended in 1987, Barbara, it seems, maintained a strong presence in the lives of her children. She continued to live with Taina and Joaquin in Brooklyn, New York. This suggests a lasting commitment to her role as a parent and a desire to provide a stable home for her family. Her passing in 2010, at a relatively young age, was, of course, a sad event for those who knew and loved her. She was a woman who, though not in the public eye herself as an entertainer, certainly left her own mark on the lives of those around her and, you know, through her children, her legacy continues.

What Was Barbara Smits' Career Like?

Barbara Smits began her professional path on the Ithaca campus in 1981. This was, as a matter of fact, a significant step in her working life. She dedicated a remarkable amount of time to this particular place of employment, staying there for 29 years. To put it simply, that's a very long stretch of time to be with one organization, showing a deep level of loyalty and commitment. Her career, while not detailed in terms of specific roles or achievements, clearly formed a central part of her identity and daily routine for nearly three decades.

Working on a campus, you know, can involve a wide range of activities, from administrative support to various academic or operational roles. The fact that she was there for such an extended period suggests she found a place where she could contribute consistently and effectively. It speaks to a steady and reliable character, someone who could build lasting professional relationships and become an integral part of the campus community. This kind of long-term dedication is, actually, a quality that many people admire in a professional setting, showing stability and a firm grasp of her responsibilities.

Her work at Ithaca, therefore, represented a very substantial part of her adult life, a place where she spent countless hours and, presumably, made many contributions. It was her own space, distinct from the public life of her former husband. This long tenure is, in some respects, a testament to her steadfast nature and her ability to thrive in a consistent working environment. It also shows that she had a life that was, you know, very much her own, defined by her efforts and her choices in the professional world, which is something worth acknowledging.

The Family Life of Barbara Smits

Barbara Smits' family life began with her marriage to actor Jimmy Smits in 1980. This union lasted for six years, coming to an end in 1987. During those years, they welcomed two children into their family, a daughter named Taina and a son named Joaquin. The bringing up of children is, of course, a central and very important part of many people's lives, shaping their daily routines and future outlook. For Barbara, these two children became, you know, a very significant part of her world, and she continued to care for them after the marriage concluded.

Following the divorce, Barbara made her home in Brooklyn, New York, where she lived with Taina and Joaquin. This decision to remain with her children and establish a life for them speaks to her commitment as a parent. The process of their separation, as described by Jimmy Smits' publicist, was handled in a way that was, in some respects, quite agreeable given the circumstances. This suggests a mutual effort to navigate a difficult period with a focus on the well-being of the family, especially the children. It's a situation that, actually, many families face, and finding a way to move forward with a degree of cooperation is, you know, often the best outcome for everyone involved.

Her children, Taina and Joaquin, are the individuals who carry on her legacy. She passed away when they were, presumably, adults or young adults, given her passing in 2010. The bond between a parent and their children is, very, a lasting one, and even after a parent is gone, their influence and memory continue to shape the lives of their offspring. Barbara's role as a mother was clearly a very central part of her identity, and her dedication to her children is a notable aspect of her life story. It shows a deep, lasting connection that, really, is what family is all about.

How Did Barbara Smits Pass Away?

Barbara Smits passed away on April 16, 2010. She was 54 years old at the time of her passing. The cause of her death was complications arising from pneumonia. This is, you know, a very serious health condition that can, unfortunately, lead to severe outcomes. Her passing, at what many would consider a relatively young age, was undoubtedly a difficult time for her family and those who knew her. It serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious each day truly is, which, actually, is something we all reflect on at some point.

The information about her passing is quite direct: she succumbed to the effects of pneumonia. This kind of health issue, while sometimes treatable, can become very dangerous, especially when complications arise. Her death in April 2010 marked the end of a life that, in some respects, balanced private moments with public connections. It was a moment of profound sadness for her children, Taina and Joaquin, who lost their mother. The details surrounding her final days are, naturally, private, but the cause of her passing has been made known. It's a part of her story that, you know, brings a somber note to the narrative of her life.

Her passing, at 54, was, quite frankly, before what many would expect. It highlights the unpredictable nature of health and existence. The fact that she passed due to complications of pneumonia means that her body, unfortunately, could not recover from the illness. For her loved ones, this was a moment of significant loss. The memory of Barbara Smits lives on through her children and through the recollections of those who were part of her life, a life that, in a way, touched many, even if not always in the most public of ways.

The Connection to Jimmy Smits and His Work

Barbara Smits is often mentioned in connection with her former husband, the actor Jimmy Smits. He is, very, a well-known figure in the entertainment world, having had a successful career that spans several decades. His work includes many memorable roles in various television dramas and films. For instance, he is widely recognized for playing attorney Victor Sifuentes in the legal drama "L.A. Law." This role, actually, brought him considerable attention and established him as a prominent actor in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was, you know, a very popular show at the time.

Beyond "L.A. Law," Jimmy Smits also took on the role of NYPD Detective Bobby Simone in the police drama "NYPD Blue." This character, in some respects, allowed him to show a different side of his acting abilities, moving from the courtroom to the streets of New York. He also portrayed Matt Santos in the political drama "The West Wing," a show that, really, captured the attention of many viewers with its sharp writing and compelling storylines. These roles, among others, have made him a familiar face to audiences across different generations, which is, actually, quite an achievement for any actor.

His film appearances include movies such as "Switch" from 1991, "My Family" in 1995, "The Jane Austen Book Club" from 2007, and more recently, "In the Heights" in 2021. He also appeared as Bail Organa in the "Star Wars" universe, connecting him to one of the biggest film franchises ever. While Barbara Smits' life was not defined by these roles, her connection to Jimmy Smits meant that her personal story, in a way, intersected with his public career. This is, of course, a common experience for spouses of public figures, where their lives become, you know, intertwined with a certain degree of public awareness, even if they themselves prefer a more private existence.

Remembering Barbara Smits and Her Legacy

Even though her marriage to Jimmy Smits concluded in 1987, Barbara Smits, it seems, maintained a strong presence in the lives of her children and, in a way, left her own lasting mark. Her legacy is, you know, primarily carried forward by her two children, Taina and Joaquin. The bond she shared with them, and her role in their upbringing, represents a very significant part of her life's story. It's a reminder that a person's impact often resonates most deeply within their immediate family and the relationships they nurture throughout their years.

Her professional dedication, spending 29 years working on the Ithaca campus, also forms a part of her legacy. That kind of long-term commitment to a workplace is, in some respects, a quiet but powerful statement about a person's character. It shows reliability, perseverance, and a capacity for sustained effort. While the specific details of her work are not widely known, the sheer length of her tenure speaks volumes about her professional life. This aspect of her life, actually, demonstrates a consistent and steadfast nature, which is, you know, something to be admired.

Ultimately, Barbara Smits' life was one that, in a way, balanced personal connections with a steady professional path. Her story, though it has moments of public visibility due to her former marriage, is at its heart a very human one: a woman who was born, lived, had children, worked, and eventually passed away. Her memory lives on through her family, and the narrative of her life, while perhaps not widely celebrated in the same way as a public figure, holds its own quiet significance. It's a reminder that every life, no matter how public or private, has its own unique value and leaves its own lasting impression, which, really, is a very important thought to keep in mind.

Connecting with the Memory of Barbara Smits

For those who might be curious about Barbara Smits or perhaps knew her, there are, you know, ways that people often connect with memories of individuals. Social media platforms, like Facebook, sometimes allow people to view profiles and connect with others who may have known a person. While the provided text mentions viewing profiles of people named Barbara Smits and joining groups to connect, it's important to remember that these are general statements about how social media works and not specific details about her personal online presence. It's a way that, actually, many people try to keep in touch with past acquaintances or learn more about individuals they're curious about.

The very existence of her name in public discussions, even if tied to her former husband, means that her story, in some respects, continues to be accessible. For her children, Taina and Joaquin, her memory is, of course, a very personal and ongoing part of their lives. For others who might have crossed paths with her during her 29 years at Ithaca, or in her community in Brooklyn, her memory would be held in those personal connections. The way we remember people is, you know, often through the stories shared and the lives they touched, whether those touches were widely known or kept within a smaller circle.

Her passing in 2010, at the age of 54, means that she is remembered by those who were part of her journey. The details of her life, while not extensively public, paint a picture of a woman who lived with purpose, raised a family, and contributed professionally for a long period. Her story is, in a way, a quiet testament to the many lives that shape our world, often outside the spotlight, but with just as much meaning and impact for those who knew them best. It's a reminder that every individual's story, no matter how seemingly small, is a very important piece of the human experience.

Barbara – Artofit
Barbara – Artofit
File:Barbara Nichols 1956.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
File:Barbara Nichols 1956.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Barbara, 954 disques vinyle et CD sur CDandLP
Barbara, 954 disques vinyle et CD sur CDandLP

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