Doris Smith Barrell's Obituary
Doris Smith Barrell Obituary
Prepared: 2/7/2024
Doris Smith Barrell passed peacefully on Monday, 2/5/2024, after a six month battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on September 29, 1936 in Washington DC, Doris was a joyful adventurer, a sharp business woman, an avid community builder, a dedicated member of the church and church choir, and a generous friend to all. She was raised by her beloved parents, Grace and Jim Hooten, in Alexandria VA. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1954, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Mary Washington College in 1971, and earned her MA from Catholic University in 1978. She ran Downey Music Studios from 1966-1978. She moved into real estate with a developer in Alexandria, managed a Mt. Vernon Realty/Weichert office and served as a leader in the Northern Virginia Board of Realtors. Even when she “retired” and moved to Florida in 2002, she continued to travel the world teaching, editing, and writing real estate text books.
Doris loved her family and hosted an annual ocean-front beach trip that included a night of her famous chicken and dumplings, time exercising or reading at the pool, and late nights playing cards. “Clear the Deck!”
Doris traveled for work and fun and loved including new travelers on her big adventures. Her favorite jaunts generally included live theater (opera, dance & musicals), and of course a healthy dose of ice cream, chocolate, and lobster! Even while going through chemo, Doris squeezed in a trip to Hilton Head with her beloved friends. And at Thanksgiving, took her 38th cruise traveling to the Panama Canal with family.
Doris is survived by her husband, Jim Barrell of Eustis, FL; daughters Karen Downey Lightfoot and Janie Downey of Alexandria, VA; stepdaughter Barbara and husband Joe Robinson of Palm Beach, FL; and stepsons Jim and wife Gail Barrell of Greensburg, PA; David Barrell of Raleigh, NC; Larry Barrell of Alexandria, VA; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held at 2pm on 2/24/2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis. In lieu of flowers, Doris would be delighted if you donated to the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 S Center Street, Eustis FL 32726; or to The Cat Protection Society, PO Box 1078, Sorrento, FL 32776.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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