Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Janet Dinwiddy Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
She was a beautiful woman who had a vigor and passion for life. A master gardener, world traveler, home chef, wine appreciator, fashion entrepreneur, Wimbledon fan, avid reader, political advocate, arts and culture follower, family historian, business owner and matriarch of our family.
She was born on May 16, 1940 in Newington Green, London, United Kingdom right before the bombing of London during World War II. She attended Dame Alice Harpur School. As a young woman she met and married United States Air Force Staff Sergeant, Ronald Thomas Smith (Decd.) in England and had three boys, Karl, Wayne and Kirk. Her second marriage was to jazz musician and fashion clothing salesman, Marvin Hirsch (Decd.). She owned and operated her own clothing store in Columbus, Ohio utilizing her skills in fashion design to raise her children as a single mother. She lived her favorite years in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, United Kingdom and St. Augustine, Florida, USA with her third marriage to beloved husband John Dinwiddy. (Decd.) They had a great network of loyal friends who had many memorable dinner parties together in Homer, Shropshire and in Vilano. She spent her last years in St. Augustine with her friend and love, Willem Van Der Vet (Decd.).
She had a colorful life and will be missed immensely by her family and friends.
We are grateful for the time we shared together. She is survived by her three sons, Karl (Hoai) Justin Smith, Wayne (Lori) Evan Smith and Kirk (Emily) Richard Smith. Her sister Joan Seamer and grandchildren Dustin, Quinton, Monique, Carina, Mia, Evi, Grey and Sen. Stepchildren Jenny Mosley and Ian Dinwiddy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andy & Alex
June 5, 2025
Very sad to hear this news. Janet was our go to place when vacationing in St. Augustine with our dogs. Many happy times were spent in her apartment including when my parents would come to visit from North Wales. Always a happy and friendly face would greet us on arrival, from the very first visit when I realized she was from the uk, not too far away from where I lived before moving to Georgia and multiple trips back followed.
It had been a few years since our last visit to the area, Janet always said if we were back this way to come by and say hi.....
Andy & Alex ( and puppies ), GA.
Jon Moseley
January 5, 2025
I first met Janet when I was around 18 years old, we don´t need to mention how long ago that was!. I had just started to date Janet`s stepdaughter; Jenny, and was going round to the house in Homer to meet John and Janet for the first time. I knew everything would be okay because Jenny had told me how cool they both were, but that first meeting was nerve racking. I need not have worried though as on meeting both John and Janet I was put at ease, and that was the great thing about Janet, she had the ability to make you feel as though you had known one another for years. I remember helping in the kitchen preparing gravy for the Sunday roast dinner. It was a triumph and was my first experiences of Janet´s culinary expertise that I´d become very familiar with in our trips to Granville and St Augustine. There was always a beer or a bottle of wine waiting for us on arrival, ever the gracious host. When John became ill, Janet was a rock. There were regular visits to the JH Clinic and Janet supported John throughout. The rekindling of the friendship with Wim was such a blessing for Janet, as strong and independent as she was was, everyone needs someone to lean on, and so it was with Wim. Again Father Time demonstrated what a cruel master he can be at times and took Wim from her. I have very happy memories of sitting in the lounge after a meal, with a glass is something, just reminiscing with the two of them. Fun´s times and that sums Janet up for me; fun times. My last comments go to you Janet. I hope that you see the joy you have given to so many people and how much you are loved and missed. Rest easy and keep that party in the sky going until we all see you again. xxxxx
Joan Seamer
December 18, 2024
In memory of my dear sister Janet. Although we lived far away from each other for many years, we were always close. Phone calls were really important to us and we shared many stories and secrets.
I will always, especially remember my visits to Much Wenlock when Janet and John lived in England. Such happy times we shared. My visit to Janet in Florida was also very memorable as she was really enjoying her life there. She loved to travel and her visit to me in Spain holds precious memories.
She was a special person in many ways. She was a strong single Mum who struggled at times, but always managed to work hard and overcome the things that were thrown at her. She adored her sons and was very proud of all of them. She will be sadly missed by all of us.
Carina Leal
November 17, 2024
Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to visits with my grandmother, especially at her farm home in Ohio. That time was magical-learning to swim in the nearby lake, summoning the courage to jump off the high dive for the first time, and exploring the farm's secret passages. Family and holiday traditions were always thoughtfully planned, complete with a marvelous meal and a scrumptious dessert.
Later in life, my grandmother became a trusted confidante, especially when I had my youngest children close in age. Her practical, thoughtful advice, care packages, and the sanctuary of her home provided me with much-needed support after moving to Florida. Her home was truly my "home away from home."
She thrived as an official "GG," and my children saw her as a mystical figure who always sent the perfect holiday and birthday gifts. Her home by the ocean, adorned with beautiful flowers, became our prime vacation destination-a place filled with love and cherished memories.
We all miss you, GG, in ways that words can hardly capture, but you will live on through our cherished memories and the love you shared with us.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Wayne Smith
November 16, 2024
It´s been a couple months since my Moms passing. Really hitting home now she´s gone. Miss my Sunday phone calls her wit and laugh. We will always think of you and love you always. Wayne
Karl Justin Smith
November 14, 2024
Karl Justin Smith
November 13, 2024
Karl Justin Smith
November 13, 2024
During a difficult year my mother Janet endured a series of disastrous events, which eventually ended for her in September this year. I was fortunate enough to spend a month with her this summer as she defiantly resisted the many conditions she was suffering from. Our entire family are bereft of a person who was a witness and survivor of the many great social and political events from the 20th century and into this new one. It is an impossible task to communicate the scale of your grief and sorrow in a memorial forum, but Janet was my mother and I miss her very much. - Karl Justin Smith
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
385 SR 207, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Make a Donation
in Janet Dinwiddy's name
People and places connected with Janet
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Janet's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Janet Dinwiddy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
