Jeanne Katherine Smith, age 95, of Portland, Oregon passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Jeanne was born in early springtime on April 17, 1925 in Silverton Oregon, the 4th child to Julia and Curtis Smith. Three older siblings welcomed her: a sister Irma, followed by two brothers: Clayton and Richard. Jeanne spent her entire childhood growing up in Silverton.
Jeanne attended Silverton Elementary Schools and graduated from Silverton High School. After graduation, she worked in the shipyard for 2-3 years. She worked as a burner on the ships - cutting out the doors and windows. She then relocated to Portland where she gained employment at Northern Wholesale Hardware working in a secretarial role and ordering supplies. The company later sold to Cotter Corporation and Jeanne stayed on, eventually retiring in the summer of 1980 after more than two decades at the company.
Jeanne met the love of her life, Bernie Smith on Thanksgiving Day in 1951. Jeanne’s brother Richard was married to Bernie’s sister Donna. They visited Montana where Bernie was living and
encouraged him to come to Oregon for Thanksgiving. He accepted their invitation and there was Jeanne at the family gathering. Their meeting was described as: “love at first sight.” They married a year and a half later on April 17, 1953, Jeanne’s 28th birthday.
Jeanne had many passions throughout her life, bowling, embroidering, dancing, Easter, collecting strawberry themed things, old movies, baking and most important, family.
Jeanne is survived by her husband Burnie; children, Sheri Denton and Michael Smith; 6 grandchildren, Todd, Troy, Brian, Aline, Josh and Katie; 8 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18