Janet Smith

Janet Smith, 83, of Shapleigh, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14th, at Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation Center in North Berwick. Born on August 2, 1940, in Sanford, Maine, to Herman and Bea (Williams) Ackroyd, Janet grew up in Sanford and attended local schools. She graduated from Sanford High School in 1958, where she excelled as a cheerleader. She helped to plan several class reunions and always looked forward to attending and seeing her classmates. In 1959, Janet married David Smith, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children. Janet worked as a bookkeeper for several local businesses throughout her career and spent many years at the Oldtimer’s Shop in Sanford. She was deeply involved in her children's activities, including Boy Scouts, Little League, dance, Girl Scouts, bowling, and any other pursuits they were passionate about. She was thrilled to continue these activities with her granddaughter Megan. Each summer they spent a week at Range Pond Campground together sunbathing and swimming. Janet also enjoyed knitting, quilting, and crafting. She was also an active member of the Sandover Doll Club and found great joy in doll collecting. Her passion for dolls collided with her passion for travel and took her to conventions across the country, visiting places like New Orleans, Chicago, Florida, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Maryland, Las Vegas, and more. One of her favorite adventures was a month-long bus trip across America with her sister, Elaine. She also attended two World’s Fairs with her husband, David in New York City and Montreal. Janet cherished her winters in Daytona, Florida, traveling in her camper with her husband. They were avid fans of stock car racing and travelled to 20 different race tracks. She always adored Elvis Presley, and saw him live at the Augusta Civic Center in what was one of his last public performances. She also saw Tom Jones in Portland, Maine. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Janet was predeceased by her parents and her son, Craig Smith. She is survived by her husband, David Smith of Shapleigh; her daughter, Susan Smith of Shapleigh; her granddaughter, Megan Allen and her husband Ben, and great-granddaughter Ava, all of Sanford and her sister Elaine Duquette and her husband Peter of Palm Coast, Florida. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation for their care and comfort in her final days. At Janet’s request, arrangements will be private. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to a local charity of your choice in her honor.