Our mother Barbara Smith Haskins passed away in Spring Hill, FL on February 3, 2024, one month before her 96th birthday. She will be greatly missed by her 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Barbara was devoted to her entire extended family, blessing all with her love, support, and wise counsel.
Barbara was born on March 2, 1928, in Newton Falls, NY to Margaret Gordon Smith and Samuel Smith who had emigrated from Scotland and England respectively. She was the eldest of five children. When she was 16, her family moved to Wellsville, NY. After graduating at age 17 from Wellsville High School, Barbara went to work in Bradford, PA, giving up her scholarship to Nursing School to help support her family when her father became ill. For the rest of her life, she was a guiding force in the lives of her four siblings as well as to her own family of seven.
Barbara returned to Wellsville in 1947 to work as bookkeeper in Hamilton’s Shoe Store and in 1948 married David Haskins, to whom she was married for 71 years before his death in February 2020. Their marriage was a loving partnership centered on their five children, in whom they instilled the values of family, respect, gratitude and generosity while embracing the joys of life. Barbara managed the large active family, guiding and supporting each child’s individual talents and pursuits. Winters were spent skiing on the slopes of New York and Pennsylvania, and idyllic summers spent swimming, sailing, and waterskiing on Conesus Lake while Barbara drove the ski boat for her 5 kids. For all this and more her children are forever grateful.
Barb and Dave were members of First Methodist Church in Wellsville, and later they joined the Spring Life Methodist Church in Spring Hill, FL. In 1993 they retired to Spring Hill to continue their active lifestyle, living in the Timber Pines Community where they enjoyed golf and made new and lasting friendships. Barbara continued to be the gracious hostess she had always been and family and friends were always welcome in her beautiful home. Travel was an integral part of each year, and family reunions including all the children, spouses, and grandchildren were regularly organized by Barbara and Dave.
Barbara was a devoted caregiver to her husband for the last years of his life as he battled cancer. Her life was spent in the care and nurturing of family and her absence will be felt by all she leaves behind.
Surviving are her children, Nancy Lazar (Jay) of Bethlehem, Pa; Thomas Haskins (Kris) of Richmond, Va; William Haskins (Robin) of Port St. Lucie, Fl; Anne Schettine of Bemus Point, NY and Mark T. Haskins of Wellsville, NY. In addition are her 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Judy Smith of Denton, TX; brother-in-law John Kozlowski of Cortland, NY; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers George and James Smith; and her sisters Nanette Kozlowski and Erna Richardson.
The family is truly grateful to the wonderful caregivers who were with our mother in her last years.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations in Barbara’s name to a hospice facility of one’s choosing. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
