Harriet Barbara (Kluge) Smith
October 27th, 1928 –
April 29th, 2022
Harriet B
(Kluge) Smith
passed away
peacefully with her children by her side on Friday, April 29, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM. She was 93 years young and led a life of love, kindness, and service. Harriet was a woman with a strong faith, spirituality and determination who always greeted people with a beautiful smile. Her words of wisdom “Be happy and do good for others” embodies her life’s work with the Lord.
Harriet was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, John “Jack” Henry Smith; grandson, Andrew Graham Narcus; son-in-law, Michael Pryor; parents, Mary and Harry Kluge; five sisters; in law; and animal companion Bella.
She was a loving wife and mother raising five children and taking care of her husband, Jack for many years. Harriet is survived by her children, Lt. Col. John “Jack” H. Smith and his wife, Phyllis of Colonial Heights, VA, Sharon S. Narcus of Brighton, MA, Stephen P. Smith, MD of Sanford, NC, Susan M. Smith of Baltimore, MD and Margaret E. “Betsy” Smith of Albuquerque, NM who was her primary caregiver; grandchildren, Jennifer N Hamner (Billy), Jaime M McEntyre (Steve), John Owen Narcus (Sarah), Patrick M Pryor, Jessica S Pryor, Alexander P Smith; great-grandchildren, Emily, Caleb, Lainey, Zac, Katie, Caroline, Ash, Andrea and Rae; her nieces, nephews and many friends she loved and cherished.
Mrs Smith was born in Westfield, NJ and lived for 81 years in NJ. She was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Westfield and the Traphagen School of Fashion. She married Jack in 1948, a World War II Veteran and POW, US Army, then a lifelong Educator. Harriet and Jack resided in Plainfield and then raised their family in Fanwood, NJ for 32 years where Harriet was active as the Local Assistance Director and Board member for 15 years.
She spent 20 years as a Girl Scout Troop Leaders Consultant, Organizer, Neighborhood Vicechair and a Parish Coordinator for St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. Harriet graduated from the Elizabeth General Hospital
School of Nursing with honors in her early 40s. She was employed as a staff nurse at John E. Runnell’s Hospital. Harriet also gave her service with the Welcome Wagon and the NJ State Commission for the Blind.
After their children were grown, Harriet and Jack moved to Tuckerton, NJ where they were members of St. Theresa’s Church. She was active in the Interfaith Food Pantry, a Eucharistic Minister and spent years working with the Liturgy of the Word for Children, was a member of the Rosary Society and the Parish Council. She volunteered at Sea Crest Village, the Laurel Auxiliary 2nd Time Around Shop and worked with numerous organizations.
Harriet moved to Albuquerque, NM in 2010 where she and Betsy had a joyful home together with their animal family. In Albuquerque, she volunteered for the Red Cross and SJRG Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Harriet’s family shares special gratitude with the staff at UNM Hospital, UNM SRMC, the UNM Senior Health Clinic, Advanced Home Health and Hospice, Mayberry Senior Services, Honor and the AFD’s paramedics for their compassionate care.
Memorial donations may be made to the SJRG Nazareth Center, Red Cross, Animal Humane NM, Andrew Graham Semper Fi Fund, UNM Popejoy Hall Excellence Fund or UNM Palliative Care Fund.
May God Bless Harriet and Each of You.
Celebration of Harriet’s life will start with a visitation on Tuesday evening, June 14, 2022, at 6:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm at FRENCH – Westside. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022, at 9:00 am at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Church, 5901 St. Joseph’s Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 pm
Published by on Jun. 5, 2022.
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