Jeannette May (Wilkie) Smith was given the gift of life and now she has given it back. She was awarded her angel wings on Sunday, July 2, 2017.  Her new mission comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with the love of her life, her husband Lee James Smith, father of her 6 children, who predeceased her (March 5, 1983), and her wonderful second husband Robert Chin, who also predeceased her (2004). Jeannette’s dates are 1925-2017, but as a wise person has said, it’s the dash between those years that matters most of all.  During her “dash,” Jeannette reinvented herself many times. She had a lifelong love affair with music both at home and at church, where she was the pianist and organist for 40 years.   However her most cherished accomplishment was being a stay-at-home mom to her six children. Jeannette left detailed instructions for her children to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed.  She loved her children, Janet Theriaque and husband Tom of Gallatin, TN, Robert Smith and his wife Sue of Somers, CT, Patricia Semb and her husband Ralph of Erving, MA, Brian Smith of Ludlow, Steve Smith and his wife Judy of Virginia Beach, VA, and Jim Smith of Sturbridge; and leaves 17 wonderful and attentive grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, four great great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews who filled her “dash” with happy memories. Jeannette also leaves her beloved sister, Arlene Davis and husband Dwight of East Burke, VT, who she recently recalled the adventure of her lifetime traveling to Italy, by herself, to visit with them.  She was predeceased by her “baby brother”, Leslie Wilkie, Jr. All of us who loved her can now hear in our hearts Jeannette’s words of farewell: “To my beloved family and friends. How precious you all have been to me. Knowing and loving each one of you is the success story of my life. After all of it, I am at peace. And on that happy note, I take my leave of this world, this sometimes crazy fast-paced and sometimes light-hearted stroll through the very full “dash” that has been my life.  It is indeed a beautiful day. I am so filled with joy to have been here.” Relatives and friends are welcome to call on Friday evening, July, 7, 2017 from 4-7 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., in Springfield. A Celebration of Jeannette’s life will be held on Sunday, July 9^th at 2:00 PM at the Wesleyan Church, 98 White St., in Springfield. (She would be most pleased it if all those attending wore a bright, vibrant color to her farewell),  Burial will conclude on Monday morning, July 10^th at 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeannette’s memory may be directed to the Wesleyan Church, 98 White Street, Springfield, MA 01108, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com  

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