Barbara Catherine Walek

Barbara Catherine Walek,78, resident of Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County, VA passed away on Wednesday, November 11th 2020 at her daughters’ home with her family, in Chesterfield VA. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, John Paul Walek “Jack”. She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses, Lisa and Bill Donovan, Beth and Aubrey Simonds, Suzanne Walek and Alison and Brian Shay of Richmond, VA; eight grandchildren, Adam, Benjamin, Jake, Madison, Holly, Sam, Colin and Claire; and five great-grandchildren. Barbara was born on February 14, 1942 to Douglas and Elizabeth Smith in Patterson, NJ and had two siblings, Dolores Brooks and Douglas Smith. After graduating from Clifton High School, Barbara worked in a bank. In 1964 she married Jack Walek and settled in Vernon Valley to raise a family. In 1973 Barbara and Jack purchased a Lawn Doctor franchise and set off on a new life adventure in Richmond VA with four young children under 10 years old. Barbara was an amazing mother, successful business partner, and devoted wife. Meals, holidays, vacations, and celebrations were all special events when mom was involved. She had unending energy and was an amazing hostess. Barbara’s superpowers were business acumen and shopping for her family. She would confidently drive to the mall and magically a front row parking spot would appear and then she’d spend hours finding the perfect gift and wearing out anyone in tow. She loved deeply and gave generously of her time and money to her family, employees, and community. After 40 successful years’ operating two businesses Barb and Jack retired in 2013 to a beautiful home on Smith Mountain Lake.