Janet M. Smith

Janet Marie Smith of Abington, MA, was called to her eternal rest on October 2nd, 2026.

Janet was born on December 29th, 1942, to Mary and Joseph Shea. She lived with her parents and sister in Dorchester. As a young adult, she worked in the food service department at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, MA, and later worked at Filene’s Basement at Downtown Crossing in Boston, where she got numerous free shows as people stripped in the aisles to try on clothes. When not working, she enjoyed spending time with her sister, best friend, and champion, Lorraine Innes.

Janet met the love of her life, Donald Smith of Quincy, in January of 1979. They were married on June 24th of that same year, with Lorraine serving as Janet’s Maid of Honor and Donald’s lifelong friend, Robert “Bob” Brennan, serving as best man. Janet and Donald made their home in Quincy, where they lived with Donald’s mother, Bessie Mae Smith. Together, they cared for Bessie until her passing in 1997 at the age of 94.

After her marriage, Janet devoted much of her time to supporting her husband in doing the Lord’s work at both Glad Tidings Church and Quincy Point Congregational Church. She also quietly extended that spirit of service to others. Janet assisted members of her church community with household and in-home tasks when they were no longer able to manage them themselves, helping them remain in their own homes and maintain the best possible quality of life. She gave her time freely and never sought recognition for the kindness she offered.

Janet embarked on her greatest adventure in June of 1981 with the birth of her daughter, Cherylann. From the very beginning, Cherylann gave her mother a run for her money, but Janet loved her daughter dearly and supported her always. From needing to keep Cherylann on a leash to keep her from wandering off as a toddler to attempting to keep her entertained as a child, Janet provided a steady and loving home. With the move of the entire family to Abington in 2017, Janet and her husband, Donald, made sure Cherylann would continue to be supported and cared for even after their passing.

Janet was a kind and loving woman who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a mischievous streak. Her close friends and family will always remember her shaking her fist at you while laughing and telling you she would “give you one of these.” This was a small gesture that perfectly captured Janet’s playful spirit and the warmth she brought to those around her.

Janet now rests peacefully with her beloved husband, Donald George Mott Smith; her parents, Mary and Joseph Shea; her mother-in-law, Bessie Mae Smith; her grandparents, Sophie and Charles Janigian; and several cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her daughter, Cherylann Lee Smith, and her husband, Kyle Henry Iwanicki; her granddog, Turbo Shot Smith; her sister, Lorraine Frances Innes, and her husband, William Alexander Innes; her nieces, Cassandra Michelle Innes and Stacey Lorraine Athanassiou and her husband, George Karl Athanasiou; her great-nieces, Taylor Nicole Athanasiou and Paige Innes Athanasiou, and Paige’s husband, Andrew Holmes; two great-great-nephews; and many cousins.

Janet will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she has touched. Her kindness, humor, devotion to her family, and willingness to help others will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Visitation will be held at the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington, on Thursday, Oct. 8th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

A Graveside services will be at Mount Wollaston Cemetery, 20 Sea Street, Quincy on Friday, Oct. 9th, at 11 AM. 

Flowers may be sent to the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Janet Smith to Urinary Tract Infection Global Alliance: https://utiga.org/