Obituary of Barbara Joan Smerczynski

Barbara J (Sifaneck) Smerczynski, 80, of Danvers and formerly of Peabody, died Saturday morning surrounded by her loving family at her home following a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of Jim “Smuz” Smerczynski with whom she shared over 59 years of marriage. Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late John and Sophie (Stankiewicz) Sifaneck. Growing up she took part in the Homemaking and Dancing Enrichment Programs at the House of Seven Gables Settlement. She graduated from Salem High School where she was a Cheerleader and Varsity Basketball Player. Before raising a family she worked as a long distance telephone operator. Later she worked as a Title Examiner as well as in the Video business. She was active in the Polish community and belonged to The Kosciuszko Foundation, a Center of Polish Culture. She served as President of both the Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women’s Clubs and The Polish Business and Professional Women’s Club of Greater Boston. Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael T. and Christine O. Smerczynski of Topsfield and Thomas B. and Karin Smerczynski of Purcellville, VA, her two daughters and son-in-law, Diane and Kevin Buckley of Peabody and Kristen J. Mastrangelo of Andover, her step sister, Marylou Ruxton Bogash of Largo, FL, and her 9 beloved grandchildren, Patrick Smerczynski of Bethel, ME, Sean and Casey Smerczynski of Topsfield, Bryanna and Tristina Buckley of Peabody, and Savannah, Carissa, Alexandra, and Mia Mastrangelo, all of Andover and also by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother John Sifaneck, her sister Cynthia Sifaneck Borucki, her step-sisters, Joy Ruxton Nimblett and Sandra Ruxton Gray. Her funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Annunciation Church, Conant St, Danvers to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Lake St, Peabody. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to The Kosciuszko Foundation, The American Center of Polish Culture, 15 East 65th St, New York, NY 1065.