Alma Mary Smith

Alma Mary Smith, 94, of Portland, passed away peacefully at her home on July 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. 

Born on March 27, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA, Alma was the daughter of John and Alma (Foertsch) Grifferty. She grew up in Philadelphia, where she later met the love of her life, Gerald Smith, during a trip to the boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. They married on April 23, 1955, and together raised six children. The family eventually made their home in Maine, where Alma became affectionately known as the “Neighborhood Mom.” 

Alma, lovingly nicknamed “Almz” by her husband, retired as the office manager for the yearbook company Jostens – a position she deeply enjoyed and took great pride in. She brought the same care and dedication to her professional life as she did to raising her family. 

An avid reader and devoted fan of Hallmark movies (she proudly watched them all), Alma also enjoyed following professional golf and treasured playing mahjong with a close group of friends. She remained remarkably tech-savvy throughout her life, keeping in touch with her children through the “Find My Friends” app. It was not uncommon for one of them to receive a timely text or call asking if they’d missed their exit or inquiring about what they were picking up at the grocery store. Alma’s love and attentiveness knew no bounds, regardless of her children’s age or distance. 

After Gerald’s passing in 1997, Alma carried his memory with her every day, holding him close in her heart. 

Alma will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She embodied grace, elegance, and timeless style. To know her was to witness the very best of humanity – kind, thoughtful, and deeply loving, she was the best of us. 

She is survived by her children: Peter and his wife Lisa; Patti and her husband Phil Melanson; Tim and his wife Jennifer; Jerry and his wife Deborah; Jim and his wife Joanne; and Mary and her husband Mark Sontz. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Jonathan Melanson (Kate), Amy Melanson (Sal Osorio), Laurie Tompkins (John), Jared Masseur, Damian Marble, Andrew Sontz, Liz Currier, and Keanu Marble Smith; as well as five great-grandchildren: Violet and Kendall Melanson, Ethan Osorio, and Memphis and Booker Currier, all of whom fondly referred to her as GG. 

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland.