Jean Marie Smith

Born on June 2, 1950, in Lewiston to Rene and June Gagnon (Robinson), Jean attended schools in Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, while caring for her younger sisters.

While raising her daughters, Cynthia Lynn, TrudyJune, and Kelli. Jean attended community college for nursing. This led to her passion for caring for elderly residents in nursing homes as a CNA and Medical Technician.

In addition to her medical work, she served for many years as the Activities Director at Marshwood Nursing Home, a role she greatly enjoyed and took immense pride in. Her dedication and compassion were deeply appreciated by both residents and staff.

In 1993, wanting a change of scenery and warmer weather, Jean moved to South Carolina to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. There, she met Robert Smith, whom she married on November 5, 1994, beginning 32 wonderful years of marriage with her best friend. Jean always tried her hardest to be a great wife, mother, and grandmother, and she poured that love into her family.

While living in South Carolina, she continued caring for the elderly while also enjoying crafts and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

After moving to Virginia Beach in 1995, Jean continued caring for seniors and enjoyed spending time with her beloved small dogs while enduring Bob’s two long Navy deployments and many shorter ones.

Jean retired in 2000 and shortly after in 2003 Robert retired, together they decided to move to Maine.

Jean devoted her time to family and friends, her dog Lilly, gardening, going to yard sales, playing Monopoly, crafting, shopping for antiques, and hosting summer barbecues at her home and attending summer BBQ’s at her granddaughter’s home. She especially loved strawberry picking with her sisters, daughter, and grandchildren, creating lasting memories for everyone. Jean found great joy in spoiling her grandchildren, children, and husband whenever she could. Her most recent passion was caring for feral cats — feeding them, trapping them for health checkups, spaying and neutering, and building shelters for them.

Jean was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Loretta, Rena, and Cindy; and her brothers, Dave and Rene Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bob; her sister, Patti Pelletier; her five children, Cynthia Lynn, TrudyJune, Kelli, Danni, and Robert; and her 14 grandchildren: Lacie, Sarah, Steven, Bayley, Lacey, Linwood, Caleb, Dylan, Aiden, Joanna, Anna, Cameron, Kevin, and Emily. She also leaves behind her great-grandson, Connor, a second great-grandchild due in August 2026, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Andwell Health Partners, the Hospice House, and Home Care for their professional and compassionate care. Special thanks also go to everyone who helped care for Jean, including her lifelong friend of 60 years, Linda; her dear friend and excellent baker, Diane; her sister Patti; her daughter TrudyJune; her granddaughter Lacey; and friends Caralee and Linwood for all of their love, help, and support.

In lieu of flowers, Jean’s wishes were that donations be made to your local Humane Society or to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends are invited to Jean’s Celebration of Life at The Fortin & Pinette Group on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with services beginning at 4:00 p.m. 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, Maine 04240. Burial will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta at a later date. To share memories and condolences with The Smith Family, please visit www.fortinpinettegrouplewiston.com .