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JANE SMITH

1924 - 2016

JANE SMITH obituary, 1924-2016, Needham, RI

BORN

1924

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home

55 High Rock Street

Westwood, Massachusetts

JANE SMITH Obituary

SMITH, Jane (Campbell) Of North Hill, Needham, and Wakefield, RI, died February 7, 2016, following a long illness. She was born on October 7, 1924, in Montreal, Canada to Mary Hazard Campbell and Wallace Campbell II. Jane was predeceased in 2009 by her devoted husband of 61 years, Barton P. Smith, M.D. They lived in Westwood, MA for over 50 years. She was the loving mother of Heather S. Collins of Hingham, Holly L. Smith-Reynolds of Wakefield, RI, Martha B. McManamy of Newburyport, Bruce E. Smith of Norwood and Christopher H. Smith, M.D. of Seattle, Washington. Also survived by nine cherished grandchildren: Nicholas, Alison and Hilary Collins; Charles Reynolds; Evan, Conor and Laura McManamy; and Emery and Rae Hirschfeld-Smith. Ms. Smith also had three sons-in-law: Jeffrey Collins, John McManamy, M.D. and Hanson Reynolds and one daughter-in-law, Karin Hirschfeld. She is also survived by her beloved brother Hugh Campbell and his wife Lorli, of Stowe, Vermont, and by 13 nieces and nephews. Jane Smith believed in the value of each individual's worth and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping special-needs individuals become contributing members of society. She was one of the founding parents of what is now known as The Arc of South Norfolk, where she worked for more than 30 years. Beginning as a parent-volunteer, Jane became Associate Executive Director of The Arc, developing community based vocational, residential, respite and social service programs. Among her significant accomplishments was inspiring Polaroid Corp. to sell 7.5 acres of land in Westwood, valued at over $1 million, for $1.00 to build "A Place of Our Own," which houses the myriad programs provided by The Arc. Currently The Arc of South Norfolk serves more than 500 families with various programs, envisioned by the founders as a human and civil rights movement. At the time of her retirement in 1997, Ms. Smith's career was recognized in numerous citations from legislators across the Commonwealth and RI, as well as by her peers who in her honor dedicated the Jane Campbell Smith Community Room at the building she helped fund and build.

Jane graduated from Pine Manor Junior College and earned her B.A. cum laude from Brown University (Pembroke College) in 1946. In 1947, she married Barton P. Smith, who was an internist with Dedham Medical Associates for most of his career. Jane obtained a Masters of Science in Management from Lesley University in 1984 and began consulting with the Executive Service Corps where she advised non-profit organizations on a variety of projects. The Smiths were lifelong members of The First Parish of Westwood Church where they were members of the choir and active participants on a number of boards. Jane loved spending time in South County, RI, where she maintained a second home and participated in many activities: gardening, swimming, visiting with relatives and friends and playing tennis, among them. She was a long-time member of The Dedham Country and Polo Club, the Fox Hill Garden Club, the Chilton Club, and the Afternoon Club. In RI, she was a lifelong member of The Dunes Club in Narragansett, was active in the South County Garden Club and spent many volunteer hours at the Hazard Memorial Garden in Peace Dale. A memorial service honoring Jane Smith will be held on April 9, at 2:00 P.M. at The Peace Dale Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI 02883. A reception will follow. Gifts in her memory may be made to The Arc of South Norfolk, 789 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090

(www.arcsouthnorfolk.org.)

Holden-Dunn-Lawler

www.hdlfuneralhome.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JANE SMITH

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Heather Smith Collins

October 7, 2025

I think of my mother nearly every day.

There are so many happy images that come to mind of my mother bestowing devotion and kindness to her five children and husband, as well as to numerous friends and family members.

Mom will always be remembered for her pivotal role in the founding and her lifelong work at the Arc of South Norfolk. She devoted her life to improving the lives of special-needs individuals, helping them to become valued members of society. She was largely responsible for building "A Place of Our Own," home to the huge number of varied programs for enjoyed by hundreds of families with special-needs individuals.

I will always remember the vast number of places our family visited on trips, the many special interests Mom brought to all her family and her remarkable talents that enriched our lives - cooking, gardening, singing, art.

May my mother´s legacy live on, through all our families´ lives.

Heather Smith Collins

Em McManamy

February 1, 2024

Thinking of mom every day – even just this morning at the gym. One of her funny expressions was. Yes, it’s Thursday – all day long!

Annie Wright

July 8, 2016

Dear Muffy,

My mother, Anne Wright, lived down the hall from your parents at Fox Hill and Mum was very fond of your mother. She was an attractive woman, and when we were at DCD I used to visit you at your house. What a kind woman your she was. I read about her death in the DCD bulletin and am thinking about you.

Annie Wright Moran
39 Parade Hill Lane
New Canaan, CT 06840
[email protected]

SNCARC Family

April 8, 2016

Our family did not know Jane, but we have received immense guidance and support through The South County Norfolk Arc. The work of Jane Smith has improved the lives of 3 generations of families and brought hope for the life for our child -- we will long remember with gratitude and admiration Jane Smith and her work to this end.

Natalie Woodward

April 2, 2016

Rest in peace Jane. You have blazed an amazing path, and we are all grateful.

Martina Price

February 15, 2016

Aunt Jane was the inspiration I followed when I had my severely handicapped son...her dedication to her calling left a deep imprint on me and gave me courage when I needed it most. Thank you Aunt Jane for your gift of love and grace!

Nancy & michael Borr

February 15, 2016

Your mom was such an amazing woman. She will always have a special place in our heart! May she rest in peace!

SYLVIA CRAIG-LOCOCO

February 11, 2016

Jane was a huge blessing when I had my son with down syndrome 34 yrs ago , she shared wonderful stories of Bruce so inspirational and uplifting...always loved my conversations with her. I am so blessed to have had her in my life God bless you Jane!!!My deepest sympathy to her family!!

Deb Wood

February 11, 2016

Jane was my friend and my mentor. She taught me so much, and her leadership of The Arc of South Norfolk was a passion she shared with all who worked here. I will miss Jane's kindness, sense of humor and wise guidance. I was lucky beyond words to have known her.

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Memorial Events
for JANE SMITH

Apr

9

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

The Peace Dale Congregational Church, United Church of Christ

261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI

Funeral services provided by:

Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home

55 High Rock Street, Westwood, MA 02090

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