Jeanne Smith

A Million-Dollar Smile

Jeanne Smith, 86, of Newtown, died peacefully, at home, December 23, after fighting a valiant yearlong battle against cancer. She was born in Maplewood, Mo., to Mae Ella and Charles Mullin.

She graduated from Nerinx Hall High school in 1943. Her lifelong dream of attaining a college degree was realized at age 70 when she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Ms Smith had a passion for life and learning. She never lost her childlike sense of wonder of the world around her.

Ms Smith was a compassionate, and brilliant, woman. She was a world traveler, piloted her own small airplane, and knew how to handle a sailboat. She was a voracious reader and slayer of crossword puzzles. She was also a creative and adventurous cook, usually with spectacular results. (Anyone who experienced her rum cake will understand!)

One of her great loves was PEO International, a philanthropic organization that promotes higher education for women. She was a longtime member of Chapter G in Ridgefield, and was also was a past state president. Ms Smith was also was a true believer in the Golden Rule.

Her heartbroken grandchildren will always remember “Gra Gra” as the ultimate grandmother. She was their biggest cheerleader.

She is survived by her loving children, Melissa Murphy, and husband Stephen, of Newtown and Dr Harold K. Smith of Lubbock, Texas; six grandchildren; her best buddy, sister Fran Karr and her husband Hugh, of Los Alamos, N.M., and her brother William Mullin and his wife Sandy of Amherst, Mass.

A celebration of Jeanne’s life will take place Sunday, January 15, at the Edmond Town Hall, in the Alexandria Room, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her favorite project — PEO Program for Continuing Education, at peointernational.org. Click on “giving opportunities.” Or checks can be made payable to “Program for Continuing Education” and mailed to PEO Executive Office, treasurer’s department, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines IA 50312: In Memory of Jeanne Smith, PSP, G/CT.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, served the family.

The Newtown Bee        January 6, 2012