Barbara Schmidt Hirsh

Barbara Schmidt Hirsh passed away on June 4, 2026, at Riverside Doctor’s Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Leon S. Hirsh Jr (1932 – 2020). In life she took on many roles as a social worker, bookkeeper, tax preparer, community activist and leader, and volunteer. However, the role for which she was most proud, and most deserving of praise was the role of military spouse and mother.

Born and raised in St. Louis. Missouri, she attended Brentwood Highschool, and Graduated from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Throughout her life she was known for kindness to everyone, her dedication to her family and friends, and her passion for doing the right thing and serving those in need. She was a breast cancer survivor, but perhaps her greatest trial and proudest triumph was raising and managing the care and education of a severely handicapped daughter, who at birth was only expected to survive a few years, yet in August of 2026 will be celebrating her 65th birthday.

Barbara and Leon moved to Patriots Colony in Williamsburg in 2009, where Barbara was known as dedicated volunteer, a patron of the arts, a singer in the choir, a square dancer, and a consummate lady.

She is survived by her son, “Skip” Leon S. Hirsh III (and his wife Terry) of Pisgah Forest, NC, and daughter “Lori” Barbara Loraine Hirsh of Williamsburg, VA.

There will be a memorial service held for her in the Grand Hall at Patriots Colony on August 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM, and her ashes will be interred In Arlington National Cemetery with Leon at a later date, to be scheduled by the Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Memory of Barbara Hirsh to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).