On February 27, 2025, Barbara Smart Downes died in Holtsville, NY. She was 88 years old.

Barbara is survived by her children William Smart (Jeanne), Kelly Byers (Kenneth), Tracy Curley (Raymond), Michael Smart (Paul) and John Smart (Cristina) and her brother, William Greene (Gail), all of whom she loved dearly. Affectionately known as "Gummy" or "Gommy," Barbara has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Barbara's family is comforted in knowing she is reunited with her first husband, William Smart, her second husband, David Downes and her parents, Frederick Greene and Evelyn Zabrocki, who preceded her in death.

In addition to her work for the Hauppauge School District and for Suffolk County, Barbara lived a life devoted to her family—raising her children with Bill in Levittown before moving to Hauppauge, where she built a home that would serve as the epicenter of her family and extended family's lives. Barbara brought comfort and love to all those around her, animal and human alike. She found peace at the beach and joy in the theater and was happiest traveling the world or vacationing at the Trout Lake Club in Diamond Point, NY.

A viewing for Barbara Smart Downes is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 at R.J. O'Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays and funeral service on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:30 at The Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.