Jeanie F. Smith
1941 - 2010
SMITH, Jeanie F. - 68, of River Hebert, Cumberland County passed away Friday,
September 3, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 11, 1941 in
Springhill to the late Raynold and Gladys (O’Rourke) Melanson, Jeanie spent her
childhood and teenage years growing up in the small town of Parrsboro. As a
vibrant young waitress at Wheaton’s Restaurant, a fun loving babysitter to
several families, and a kind and gentle caregiver to the elderly, she was well
known, loved and respected. In February 1966 she married David Smith, relocated
to River Hebert and quickly infiltrated the community with her vivacious spirit,
quick wit and determination and passion for helping others. As a loving and
supportive Mommy to her three girls, she symbolized strength, fortitude and hard
work, and embodied kindness, consideration and generosity, holding high
expectations in their ability to always be thoughtful and gracious. Throughout
her years, she positively influenced the lives of many children. As a majorette
teacher in River Hebert and the neighbouring communities, she focused more on
self confidence, inclusion and equality than on talent and ability. As the
business owner of Smith’s General Store and Take Out from 1975 to 1985, she
measured success not in profits and possessions, but in the opportunity to
encourage, inspire and teach countless teenagers as a friend, confidante, and
sometimes surrogate parent. Jeanie’s smile, laughter, humour and love for people
quickly drew others to her. As a friend the value she placed on loyalty, honesty
and truth, allowed her life to be filled with an abundance of deep and lasting
friendships. Accomplishing much throughout her life as a board member, community
volunteer and charity fundraiser, Jeanie was most proud of the instrumental role
she played in organizing three successful Parrsboro School Reunions (1989, 1994
and 1999) and the longstanding record she held as a top individual fundraiser in
the Run for the Cure. Jeanie is survived by her husband, David Hazen Smith,
River Hebert; daughters, Lisa Marie (Troy Colpitts), New Glasgow; Lori Maureen
(Billy Kyle), Lakelands; Lynn Margaret (Stephen Rector), Musquodoboit Harbour; a
grandson, Shane Smith (Ashley Smees), Halifax; sisters, Geraldine Canning; Nancy
(Colin) Curleigh, both of Parrsboro; Joanne Courtney, Massachusetts; Donna
Perkins, Dartmouth; sister-in-law, Dora Melanson, Hubbards; several nieces,
nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; chosen family, Rick, Karen, Joey and
Chris Rhodes; Cheryl (Wurster), and their families. She was predeceased by her
brother, Byron Melanson; brother-in-laws, Peter Courtney and Aubra Canning.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jeanie’s life and honour her legacy,
by sharing memories and expressing condolences at Smith’s Funeral Home,
Parrsboro on Friday [September 10, 2010] from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a
Celebration of Life Mass at Saint Brigid’s Catholic Church, Parrsboro on
Saturday [September 11, 2010] at 2:00 pm, Father David MacDonald officiating.
Reception to follow at the Gallagher’s Home (417 Main Street, Parrsboro). The
family requests in lieu of flowers, offerings in Jeanie’s memory emulate her
lifelong acts of kindness and allow her legacy to live on in the spirit of
thoughtfulness, send a card to a friend, help out someone less fortunate, or do
a kind deed. For those also wishing to make a monetary donation, Jeanie’s
preferred charities were: Make a Wish Foundation, The Monseigneur Henri Cormier Lodge,
Moncton and Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre Foundation, Amherst.
"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be
too late" Ralph Waldo Emerson
