Barbara Smith Obituary

Barbara Ruth Hoshour Smith, longtime Newport Beach resident, family therapist, active community member and wife of deceased Municipal Court Justice the Honorable Kenneth McRae Smith, died of natural causes at 96 years of age on May 2, 2024. She is survived by her daughters Linda McRae Smith-Russell (husband-Gary), Amy Elizabeth Smith-Acevedo (husband-Michael), son Daniel Sheely Smith (wife-Keiko), and her beloved sister-in-law Lise Marie Bellour Hoshour (husband-Harvey). Grandchildren include Alanna Russell-Zuniga, Claire Russell-Wert, Patrick Smith, Emily Kato, and Linden Acevedo. Great-grandchildren are Riki Smith and Laki Kato. She is preceded in death by her father Harvey Sheely Hoshour, her mother Ruth Jesmore Hoshour and brother Harvey (Tad) Sheely Hoshour Jr.
Born on February 27, 1928, she spent her early childhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, attended St. Paul Academy and Summit School, later attended Dana Hall in Wellesley Farms, Massachusetts, graduating in 1945. She then attended Pomona College, in Claremont, California, graduating in 1950. During her time at Pomona, she met her husband and love of her life, Ken. She then was accepted to the Masters of Social Work program at the University of California, Berkeley. Her first job was with the Children's Home Society, placing children with adoptive families. She married Ken in 1952 while he was attending Stanford Law School.
In 1960, they moved to Newport Beach, where Ken established a private law practice. Barbara was a devoted mother while remaining active in community events. Ken was appointed as a judge in 1966. In the early 1970's, Ken faced a challenge when he battled alcoholism. As a result, Barbara and Ken became involved with Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon. In the mid-70's, she obtained a real estate license and sold homes in the Newport area. Later, she received a Master's degree in Counseling and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She provided counseling and clinical supervision at several local agencies including the Women's Opportunity Center at the University of California, Irvine, while beginning a private practice of her own. Helping people create positive change in their lives was one of her greatest joys.
When Ken was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in the early 1980's, Barbara focused on helping him manage the disease until his death on May 2, 2002 (the same day as Barbara's passing). Barbara lived a full, happy and accomplished life. She loved working out at the Back Bay YMCA and was a fixture at the Costa Mesa Dog Park with dogs Wawona and Daisy. Her passions included camping and traveling throughout the western United States. She was an avid collector of antique Valentines, nativities and folk art. Anyone who met Barbara was instantly taken by her outgoing, intelligent, inquisitive and upbeat manner. She will be deeply missed by her family and large circle of friends.
Barbara's family is grateful to the caregivers who helped us through the last several years. We offer a special thank you to Reginaldo Ramos for over thirty years of devoted care to both Ken and Barbara. A memorial will be held in early August. Donations may be made to the Parkinson's Resource Organization.