Jacquelin Ann Smith

Jacquelin Ann Shea Smith, 85, of West Hartford and Canton, CT widow of Harry A. Smith passed away Aug 21, 2025 at the Hebrew Home, in West Hartford. Born in Hartford, to James J. Shea and Dorothy M. Shea. Jacki, first and foremost, was a devoted and loving wife. She fell in love with her high school sweetheart, and she and Harry were married for over 40 years. She was a lifelong resident of CT and raised her family with Harry and their four kids in her childhood home on Westland Avenue in West Hartford, CT. Several of Jacki's most cherished memories from growing up in West Hartford were of her years at "The Mount" (Mount St Joseph Academy), where she especially enjoyed participating in performances with the glee club. Jacki was a stay-at-home Mom, while Harry provided for the family the first few decades of their marriage. Once the kids were established with jobs and their own families, Jacki started a second career as a Bond Underwriting Manager with the Fireman's Fund and later Bogino & DeMaria Inc., where she worked until retiring in 2003. Family meant everything to Jacki. She was a gracious and unconditionally loving mother to her children, always modeling kind and respectful behavior and encouraging them on their paths to adulthood. She was so proud of her kids. The values she and Harry instilled are a reflection of the persons she cherished as her daughter and three sons. She adored all of her grandchildren and showered them with her wisdom, love and encouragement, despite the fact that many of them were scattered about the country. She was an unusually "hip" grandmother, engaging in social media to stay connected. Jacki was especially delighted in her role as "Nana", great grandmother to Bensen. Jacki and her great grandson could light up a room with their smiles and joyful interactions. She was overjoyed when she was able to meet her newest great grandchildren; Maddie & Weston, via video chat. She is undoubtedly smiling from above with adoration and pride and keeping watch over all of her adored family from heaven. Jacki loved the water and she and Harry traveled often to the CT shore, Ogunquit, ME and Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. She was a passionate Boston Red Sox fan and cheered enthusiastically for her New England Patriots and UCONN women Huskies. Jacki enjoyed sewing and quilting. She had many fond memories of their overseas trips to Germany and Hawaii to visit family. Jacki was a woman of faith and proud of her Irish heritage. She was humble and lived a simple life that focused on God and her beloved family. These words of comfort would surely be her message as she entered into eternal life with Harry and all of the saints before her. Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free! I follow the plan God laid for me. I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all… I could not stay another day, To love, to laugh, to work or play; Tasks left undone must stay that way. And if my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss… Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss. My life's been full, I've savored much: Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief – Don't shorten yours with undue grief. Be not burdened with tears of sorrow, Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow. She is survived by her children, James H. Smith (Barbara Doorley), Arthur C. Smith (Cheryl Smith), D. Lynn Edgar (Bill Edgar), and David E. Smith (Cindie Bianchini & Donna Smith). Her grandchildren, Matt, Sarah, Amanda (Duane), Morgan (Ken), Shelby (Micah), Abbey (Kyle), and Danielle. Three great grandchildren, Bensen, Madeline, Weston. Additionally she is survived by her brother, Bill Shea (Sue Shea). She was predeceased by a sister Betty Ryan (Bill Ryan). Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jacki's honor to the American Cancer Society and/or the American Heart Association