Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother
Janet Marilyn Smith, aged 87, passed away peacefully in Draper, UT, on Thursday, Oct. 3rd. She was with her husband and much of her family.
A city girl at heart, Janet was known for her wonderful sense of style, gentle demeanor, contagious laugh, and steadfast support and adoration of her husband of 65 years.
Born in Quebec City, Janet grew up as the high school principal’s youngest daughter and often joked about her sheltered upbringing. She went on to attend MacDonald College in Montreal, pursuing a degree in elementary education. It was at “Mac” that she met her future husband, Robert Smith. The two were married at Knox Crescent and Kensington Church in Montreal Canada, June 6th, 1959.
In addition to being a kindergarten teacher, Janet worked in various secretarial positions and gave tours for the Quaker Oats company in downtown Chicago. A born caregiver, for forty years she quietly supported and corresponded monthly with a series of foster children around the world.
Janet ended up traveling the world as an executive’s wife and met that unique challenge with confidence and poise. Strangers soon became friends as she connected in a genuine way with everyone she met.
She was an avid knitter, pianist, baker, and loved her aerobics classes and daily walks. A shark at cards her whole life, she adored her bridge club ladies with whom she maintained lifelong friendships.
Blessed with four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, Janet will forever be a role model for grace and selflessness.
Janet lived in many places across Canada and the U.S., including Ottawa, Nova Scotia, Illinois, California, New Jersey, Florida and Utah. In her heart, however, her true home was Newport, Vermont, where she grew up during the summers. It is there that we will remember her best, sitting in a lawn chair by the lake, dressed in a stylish kaftan and beautiful sun hat, enjoying the afternoon sun with her family.
Janet is preceded in death by her son, Robert Smith and her brother, Keith McMullan.
She is survived in death by her husband, Robert Smith; her sister, Jean Thomson; her daughters Heather Maynard, Sandra (Bill) Crisafulli, Leslie (Mark) Zagarola, and daughter-in-law Debra Smith.
Celebration of Life
Janet’s celebration of life will take place at a later date in Northern Vermont. There will be no funeral or viewing events offered.
In Lieu of Flowers
Please feel free to donate to the Children’s Center of Utah, where hope and healing happens for children and their families in need of support: https://childrenscenterutah.org/donate
Guestbook/Condolences
We send our deepest sympathy to the family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. We are Kyle’s parents and Katie’s in laws. All our love.
Janet Smith had a beautiful rich life with a great supportive family. She will be greatly missed.
We met Janet & Bob Smith in Crystal Lake. ILL. in 1967 or early 1968.! Their family was a joy to know. We were all active in the Newcomers Club. Janet & I were so lucky to be in the same Bridge Group with lots great gals. We had so many fun times together, lunches, dinners & so many parties! Janet was a beautiful woman inside & out..
Kind, caring & funny. She also was the best mother. We were so fortunate to be her friend. Jan will. E so missed❤️❤️❤️
Peggy & Don
Janet was a kind caring woman, whose focus was always on her wonderful family. She will be remembered as a role model for mothers and grandmothers who were lucky enough to have known her.
My condolences to the family
I will always remember aunt Janet as a very kind and giving woman. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her entire family. Blair&Catherine