Jane Leshure Smith

Jane Leshure Smith, 92, beloved wife of the late Richard Stanley Smith, died peacefully on August 14, 2023, after a long, fulfilling life. Affectionately known as Nonnie, she leaves many wonderful memories that her family will treasure forever.

Born on December 30, 1930, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was one of four children born to the late Willard Dean and Elisabeth Hurlburt (Fisher) Leshure. She graduated from Classical High School in 1948 and Bradford Junior College in 1950.

After graduating college, she moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where she met her future husband, Dick, on a blind date (that she had arranged). They married on February 18, 1956, and made their first home in Tariffville, Connecticut. They later moved to West Hartford to raise their growing family. They continued to reside in West Hartford throughout the 61 years of their marriage, most recently moving to The McAuley in July of 2017. After Dick passed away, Jane spent her final years at the St. Mary Home.

Jane devoted her life to her family, raising three children, one of whom, Lisa W. MacInnes, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, predeceased her. She leaves Richard S. Smith, Jr. and his wife Jeanne, of West Hartford, and Wendy S. Twardy and her husband, David, of South Glastonbury. She also leaves seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Hillary L. Galey (MacInnes), her husband, Scott, and their two children, Margaret (Maggie) and Ella; Ian G. MacInnes; Richard (Trey) S. Smith III and his wife, Ashley; Shelby M. Smith; Grace E. Twardy; Drew J. Twardy; and Jack C. Twardy. She also leaves a son-in-law, Brett MacInnes and his wife, Christine, of Bethesda, Maryland. She was predeceased by all three siblings, the late Willard D. Leshure, Jr., Diane L. Johnson and John P. Leshure.

Jane was an accomplished athlete and a long-time member of The Hartford Golf Club. Much to the chagrin of her husband who played golf his entire life without ever scoring an ace, Jane scored a hole-in-one shortly after taking up the game. Having mastered golf, she moved on to racquet sports, playing tennis and paddle tennis at the highest level, winning many tournaments and championships. She also enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family, with a burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, Connecticut. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the tireless caregivers at the St. Mary Home who affectionately cared for Jane during the last years of her life. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com