Jeanne Louise Smith

Jeanne Louise (Burns) Smith, 90, of St. Ann—a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend—entered the loving arms of our Lord Jesus on Friday, November 28, surrounded and held by her family.

Jeanne was the youngest of five children born to the late Mable Jeanne (Campbell) Burns and Thomas Everett Burns on August 30, 1935, in St. Louis. Mable served as a registered nurse with the Red Cross in France during World War I, while Thomas served as an Army lieutenant and later practiced law. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Burns, Mary Auer, Terence Burns and Gregory Burns.

Jeanne attended St. Augustine Catholic School, and continued onto Rosati-Kain High School. She married Gerald Joseph Smith on September 10, 1955, and together they welcomed seven children over the next 10 years. During these years, she dedicated herself to her home and family, and also served as the organist at St. Gregory’s Parish in St. Ann, playing for Sunday Masses, Holy Days, weddings, and funerals.

As Jeanne entered a new season of life, she pursued a meaningful career in nursing. She learned how to drive, and went back to school. She completed respiratory therapy training at Barnes Hospital, attended the Barnes Hospital School of Nursing, and went on to serve in several roles—including ER Charge Nurse at Malcolm Bliss and in psychiatric nursing at Barnes Hospital—before retiring in 1997. Her blend of kindness, strength, and resilience touched many patients and fellow staff members throughout her career.

Jeanne continued to seek knowledge well into retirement. She attended classes at Washington University Lifelong Learning in St. Louis, exploring a wide range of subjects. She cherished thoughtful conversation, and held a deep appreciation for the arts—especially literature and music. She often visited the theatre, symphony, museums, and her beloved Missouri Botanical Garden, fondly known to her as “Shaw’s Garden.”

Those who knew Jeanne best remember her intellect, wit, humor, wisdom, generosity, kindness, and intentionality—but most of all, her love. She had a remarkable way of making others feel seen and valued. Even during her busy years raising young children or after long shifts at the hospital, her kitchen table was a welcoming place where neighborhood kids gathered for her guidance, warmth, and listening ear.

Jeanne leaves behind a beautiful legacy. She is survived by her children: Jerry Smith, Camille Smith, Michelle Hopper, Carolyn Pointer (Paul), Robert A. Smith, Susan Riebold (Daniel), and Patricia Bruns (Don). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lauren Grey (William), Maria Saunders, Wesley Riebold, Racquel Riebold, Anthony Bruns, and Nicolette Bruns; and her great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Shelton, Julian Bonner, Carter Bonner, Whitt Grey, Hannah Jeanne Grey, and Grant Grey. She is remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, and cousins across Missouri, South Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, Texas, and Florida.

We are deeply grateful for the many lessons she shared and the love she gave so freely. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jeanne's honor to Catholic Charities, PO Box 952393, St. Louis, MO 63195-2393.

There will be a Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025, starting at 10:45 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Chapel), 7701 State Rte N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment will occur following the mass at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 11101 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Ann, MO 63074.