Barbara Smits was the ex-wife of Jimmy Smits, a famous actor who won an Emmy Award for his role in NYPD Blue. She was also a long-time employee of Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City, where she worked for 29 years. She passed away on April 16, 2010, at the age of 54, due to pneumonia. In this article, we will explore her life, career, marriage, divorce, and death in more detail.
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Barbara Smits’ Early Life and Education
Barbara Smits was born on November 27, 1955, in the United States of America. She was of African-American ethnicity and held American nationality. Unfortunately, there is not much information available about her parents, siblings, or childhood. She was a private person who rarely discussed her personal and family life in public or in front of the media.
Regarding her education, it is known that Barbara enrolled at Ithaca College in 1981. However, the exact year of her graduation is not specified. She met her future husband, Jimmy Smits, at the same college. They started dating in 1969 and got engaged in 1971.
Barbara Smits’ Career at Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City
Barbara Smits had a career working for Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City (CCE-NYC) in New York, USA. She moved to New York City in 1982 to work for the 4-H Program, an institution for youth development connected to Cornell University. She became executive staff assistant for the Environmental Issues Program Area. In 2004, she became assistant to the executive director of CCE-NYC.
Barbara Smits’ achievements were acknowledged within the company, which resulted in her promotion and recognition. She was dedicated and loyal to her work and colleagues. She was also involved in various community service projects and activities. She was honored with The Barbara Smits Service Award by the extension after her death.
Barbara Smits’ Marriage and Divorce with Jimmy Smits
Barbara Smits married Jimmy Smits on June 10, 1980, in an intimate ceremony. Jimmy Smits is a well-known actor who has starred in many television shows and movies, such as L.A. Law, The West Wing, Star Wars, Sons of Anarchy, and Dexter. He has won several awards and accolades for his acting skills and performances.
Barbara and Jimmy had two children together: a daughter named Taina Smits (born in 1973) and a son named Joaquin Smits (born in 1983). Taina is a theatre teacher, director, and writer. Joaquin is a musician and producer.
However, after seven years of marriage, Barbara and Jimmy decided to separate and divorced in 1987. The reason for their divorce was cited as irreconcilable differences. The divorce was amicable and respectful under the circumstances. Barbara and Jimmy remained on good terms and co-parented their children.
After their divorce, Jimmy Smits began dating actress Wanda De Jesus in 1986. They have been together ever since and live in Los Angeles.
Barbara Smits’ Death from Pneumonia
Barbara Smits suffered from pneumonia, a lung disease that made it difficult for her to breathe. Pneumonia is caused by an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be mild or severe depending on the type of germ, the age and health of the person, and other factors.
According to ArticleBio, doctors discovered an impediment with her pneumonia after a series of medical tests, and the disease could not be cured. Sadly, she died of pneumonia at the age of 54 on April 16, 2010. She left behind her children, grandchildren, friends, and colleagues who mourned her loss.
Barbara Smits was remembered as a loving mother, a loyal friend, a hard-working employee, and a kind-hearted person. She touched many lives with her generosity and compassion. She was also admired for her courage and strength in facing her illness.
Conclusion
Barbara Smits was the ex-wife of actor Jimmy Smits and the mother of two children. She worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City for 29 years before she passed away from pneumonia in 2010. She was a private person who valued her family and career. She was also a caring and helpful person who contributed to her community. She was respected and loved by many people who miss her dearly.
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