Barbara S. Fitzpatrick

      Barbara Anne Smith Fitzpatrick passed peacefully on April 20, 2024 at the age of 86. A devoted mother, cherished friend, and beloved member of the community. She was a Brevard resident for the past 32 years, after moving from Ramsey, New Jersey. Barbara was born on May 30, 1937, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, to Ann McMahon Smith and George Andrew Smith and raised in Mount Lebanon, PA. She held dear memories of summers spent at the family farm in West Virginia. 

     Barbara's educational journey took her from St. Bernard School in Mount Lebanon to West Liberty University, where she earned a degree in dental hygiene. However, she never overcame her lifelong aversion to math. Her professional career was diverse, spanning roles in a private dental practice for six years, followed by a year as a traveling dental hygiene teacher, accompanied by a puppet to help teach children good hygiene. She then devoted eleven years to serving the Ramsey Department of Education before her tenure at Trend Community Mental Health in Hendersonville, NC. 

     Barbara and Brian Thomas Fitzpatrick were wed on July 20, 1963. They were blessed with four children. When the children were young, they all enjoyed spending time together at their grandmother’s lake house. They also embarked on many camping trips, most fondly remembering times at Cape Hatteras, NC and cross-country trips in the Winnebago to New Mexico and Arizona. 

      Barbara loved gardening and was affectionately nicknamed "Mother Nature." She dedicated her time to various causes, including volunteering with the Ramsey Tennis Association, serving as a past president of the Ramsey Women's Club, and contributing to the Friends of the Ramsey Library. She found joy in the arts, attending performances at the Flat Rock Playhouse and enjoying music at the Brevard Music Center. Barbara was also an avid tennis player and fan, and she devoted thirteen years to volunteering at the Transylvania Community Arts Council. Her commitment to history and heritage shone through her role as a docent at The Allison-Deaver House. 

      Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister Jane Mitchell Gunter (John). Her four children Brian Thomas Fitzpatrick, Bridget Fitzpatrick Ruggiero (Angelo), Leo James Fitzpatrick (Jeannie) and Megan Fitzpatrick Dobbyn (Gerry); Nine grandchildren Shane Fitzpatrick, Kate Fitzpatrick, Sara Fitzpatrick, Jace Fitzpatrick, Leora Josephine Ruggiero, Emma Choi Fitzpatrick, Hayden Leo Fitzpatrick, Owen James Dobbyn, Ollie Thomas Dobbyn and loving nieces and nephews Kevin, Michael, Sabra and Siobhan. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Brevard Music Center. As per Barbara's wishes, her children will hold a private memorial service in North Carolina.