Barbara Hulit

life story

Family, faith, education, and friendship...

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara Hulit, who passed away on December 8, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

This life we built...

Born to Joan and James Smasal in St. Paul on June 29, 1950, Barbara Theresa Smasal was the oldest of four, with Steve, Jack, and Patty being her younger siblings. Barbara’s family has always been incredibly close, and her parents and siblings even lived next door to each other or the next street down. Growing up, they spent summers at their cabin on Forest Lake, and the family continued making memories there for 60 years as we had children and grandchildren of our own.

That tight family connection continued through with our own girls and grandchildren. She was so proud of our daughters, Theresa and Lindsey. She loved watching them dance, play softball, cheerlead, and swim, and was an integral part of our OMNI Otters swim team and events. Barbara is remembered fondly by many of the girls’ friends for her sweet demeanor and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Theresa went on to follow in her mom's footsteps by becoming a first and second grade teacher, which gave them a fun and special bond. Theresa also fosters dogs and cats, and would often bring different dogs over to visit for some pet therapy. Lindsey excels as a physical therapist, which gave her the knowledge and skills to advocate and provide the best, most compassionate care to Barbara as her health declined. Lindsey has also taken over as head coach of OMNI and running the CAA swim meet for all the area Catholic schools, roles either she or I have held for 25+ years.

Barbara was thrilled when our son-in-law Dave joined the family. In her eyes he could do no wrong, and she gave him all the credit for every delicious dish they brought to a gathering, whether he made it or not. Lindsey and her husband Dave went on to bless us with two granddaughters, Kiera Marie and Molly Elizabeth. For Grandpa, this meant treats, games and sports. But for Barbie, these were “two minds full of mush”, as Rush Limbaugh referred to them, just waiting to be ... taught. And so she taught, reading books, coloring pictures, playing educational games, etc.

Barbie’s passion was always teaching. After graduating from St. Catherine’s College and marrying me during our senior year, she spent about 6 years at Maternity of Mary School in St. Paul teaching first grade. She then took some years off to be with our daughters during their early years. However, she was never far from her true calling -- teaching Faith Formation at church, running the “Right to Read” program at school, volunteering in the girls’ schools, and substitute teaching, as a few examples. She eventually took a job at St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi teaching first grade again, where she poured her heart into her students and families. Her students may remember some highlights, such as the first grade sleepover at school, meeting our pet snakes, raising water frogs, being pencil pals with Theresa's class, and giving their moms a recording of themselves reading a book for Mother's Day. Upon retiring from full-time teaching, she continued as a substitute for several Catholic schools in the St. Paul area, as well as volunteering in Theresa’s classroom. The world is a much better place thanks to her presence and contributions to it. And my heart will forever be only half full until I meet her again in heaven.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, James and Joan Smasal, brother Jack Smasal, nephew Matthew Schramm, sister Patty Schramm, great-nephew Jesse Smasal, and brother Steven Smasal. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband David Hulit, daughters Theresa Hulit and Lindsey Hulit Harrigan (Dave), granddaughters Kiera and Molly, sisters-in-law Lyn Smasal and Kim Smasal, brother-in-law Martin Schramm, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved Hulit family in MT and OR, and granddogs Dylan, Peppy, and Alvin.

memorial service

Guardian Angels Catholic Church

December 16, 2025

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 16th at 11:00am at Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale, with a visitation prior beginning at 10:00am. Inurnment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul.

Please also join us from 4-8pm at Lake Elmo Inn Event Center for a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 9th. This day will be our 55th wedding anniversary, and we would love to spend it with you honoring Barbara and her life well-spent. Families are welcome, as we all know Barbara loved children.