BELMONT-Jeanne S. (Pooler) Smith, 78, of Randlett Street, died Saturday, April 21, 2007. She was born in Islip, NY, the daughter of Ralph and Dorothy (Dickerson) Shackelford. She was raised in Laconia by George and Delia Pooler. After graduating from Mt. Saint Mary's in Hooksett, she earned her Nursing Diploma from the Laconia Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. Post graduate work at Boston Lying In was completed in 1953 with the concentration in obstetrics. After a brief move to Florida, she returned to Laconia to settle down. She began a career in the Lakes Region General Hospital Nursery which would span over 30 years. Mrs. Smith was a well know labor and delivery nurse. She was well known for her caring and concerns for new moms and dads, often found to make housecalls for those who needed assistance.
For health reasons, she retired from nursing in 1986. Looking for creative outlets, she started a chocolate business, Confections by Jeanne. Because much of her candy business was seasonal, she also worked for a time at The Medicine Shoppe and later at Whittemore's Flower Shop. Most recently, she could be found at the Christmas Loft in Meredith and enjoyed her annual performance as Mrs. Claus.
Mrs. Smith was an active member of the Laconia Congregational Church. Over the years, she served on the Children's Ministry Council, Worship Committee, Alter Guild, Parish Activities Committee, and was a member of the Friendship Club. She was also a member of the Eager Breather's Club and the Road Runners Club, sponsored by LRGHealthcare.
She enjoyed being active in the community, taking in local fine arts performances, doing word puzzles; as well as, any type of arts & crafts or knitting. She also had an intergral part in the Centennial celebration for the city of Laconia. From the outset of the annual Christmas Village, she spent many years organizing the volunteers needed for Grandma's Kitchen.
Jeanne was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, delighting in being a part of any family activity, especially where her grandchildren were involved.
She was predeceased by her husband, Maynard M. Smith Jr. in 1998. Family members include two daughters: Gretta J. Smith of Bristol, Janet R. Woods of Laconia; one son, Ralph "Chip" Smith of Laconia, two grandchildren: Emily J.Woods and Ryan C. Smith both of Laconia; two sisters: Priscilla Drouin of Avon Park, FL and Laconia and Fay Fuller of Albany, MO; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Services-Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 25, 2007 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, using the Whipple Ave enterance. Funeral Services will be Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Laconia Congregational Church, Rev. Warren Boutin will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery. Those wishing may make donations in her memory to the Laconia Congregational Church, Dorcas Fund, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia, NH 03246.
