Jean Violet Smith

Born in Colfax, Washington, in 1927, the youngest child of Charlie and Hazel Smith. She passed away on March 5, 2023, in Marysville, Washington, at the age of 95.

She attended school in Walla Walla, and graduated from DeSales High School in 1944. She worked in various positions in Walla Walla before moving to Seattle. In Seattle, she worked for the FBI then started at Scandinavian Airlines in 1964. She retired from SAS Airlines in 1988.

Jean was an avid reader and loved books on European history, the Catholic Church, and for fun, the J. A. Jance book series. She even met the author. It just seemed a natural progression that after retirement, she started working part-time at the Monroe Public Library followed by the Mill Creek Public Library, both in Snohomish County. She also loved working crossword puzzles, participating in Bible Study, singing in the church choir, and her Catholic faith. She loved Jesus with all her heart. As her family and friends know, she was fiercely independent. She would always say, “I’m a tough old bird” and those who knew Jean, knew that to be very true. Jean never married or had children and was used to taking care of herself. She worked hard and supported herself all her life. Jean also helped to support her mother who lived with her for many years.

Her great love were the many cats and Schnauzer dogs she owned throughout the years. They were truly her heart and her family. She missed them terribly when they passed. Jean also cared deeply for her family, friends, and her very kind caregivers at the memory care she was living at when she died. They treated Jean with love, care and respect. The family will always be grateful.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, Marilyn Rae, Treasurer, c/o Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, 6897 SW Greenwich Dr, Portland, OR 97225 or donations can be made to Maryknoll Sisters, PO Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545 (or call 914-941-7575, ext. 5639)