Lena Simone Lamarche Smith
ST. ALBANS: With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lena Simone (Lamarche) Smith, age 97, on November 10, 2024, at Homestead Senior Living surrounded by family.
Lena was born December 2, 1926, in Pointe Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, the eldest of three children to Edmund and Irene (Plouffe) Lamarche. Lena, along with her parents and sister Paule, moved from Canada to Ogdensburg, NY then to Tupper Lake NY during her elementary school years. Her brother Bob was born in Tupper Lake NY and the family then moved to St. Albans, VT, when Lena was in Junior High. Lena was a proud resident of St. Albans for the rest of her life. Lena and her siblings were very close and loved spending time together.
On June 30, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she was married to the love of her life John T. Smith until his death in 1994. Together they raised three children Nancy, Tom, and Gail.
Lena worked at the Central Vermont Railway as an executive secretary after graduation from Bellows Free Academy. She then worked at home raising a family and as the bookkeeper for the Cornerstone Restaurant owned by her husband John and her brother-in-law, Leo Smith. For several years after her father’s death, Lena and John ran the Kingman Street Diner. After her children were older, she worked at Doolin’s Clothing Store and then for many years at BFA High School in the Attendance office.
Lena was proud to become a U.S. citizen at the age of 21. However, she never lost her ties to her Canadian Heritage and remained close to her Canadian relatives.
Lena was a caregiver for so many throughout her life, including many family members and friends who were alone and had no family, to care for them. Her compassion and strength were amazing and such a comfort for so many. Her faith was a strong part of Lena. She was a member of St. Mary’s/ Holy Angels parishes and a faithful participant. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and Ladies of St. Anne’s and helped in their many causes.
Lena did a variety of volunteer jobs, always one to lend a helping hand. Two of her favorites were the St. Albans Museum and the BFA Alumni Committee. She also loved exploring all the 251 towns in VT (251 Club) with her sister Paule and friends, which they proudly completed.
Lena will be remembered for her laughter (that deep contagious laugh), love of music, great food, fun spirit, and love of life. Family was happiness to her and her house was always open and many happy memories were shared. Many remember the instruments, and records like the Limbo and the Twist at the many family and friends’ gatherings.
Lena is survived by her son COL (USA, Ret) Thomas Smith of Dracut, MA, her daughter Gail and son-in-law Steven Connors of Essex Jct., VT; her beloved grandchildren Melissa Smith Synnott, Molly Smith Kellogg, Christopher Connors, Ashley Connors Murphy, and Brooke Connors; and her great-grandchildren Liam and Quinn Synnott, Hazel and Oliver Kellogg, and Charlotte and Lily Murphy.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Virginia Stapleton of Ridgewood, NJ, her son-in-law Robert Lanoue of St. Albans, and her many cherished nieces and nephews.
Lena was predeceased by her parents, husband John, daughter Nancy Smith Lanoue, sister Paule Lamarche Pembroke, brother CAPT (USN, Ret) Robert Lamarche DMD, and daughter-in-law Pamela Erno Smith. Also, many beloved sisters and brothers-in-law.
The family wishes to thank all the tremendous staff at Homestead Senior Living where Lena made her home for almost 12 years. We are grateful for the love, compassion, care, and respect given to Lena; Bayada Hospice Care for their compassion and guidance; and Kristin Vickers PA whose help, care, and understanding went beyond that of a primary care physician.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered in Lena’s memory to St. Albans Museum, P.O. Box 722, St. Albans, VT. 05478 www.stamuseum.org/donate or The BFA Alumni Committee, c/o Union Bank, Attn: Curt Swan, 15 Mapleville Depot, St. Albans, VT 05478.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4-7 pm at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 So. Main Street, St. Albans.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23rd, at 1:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Holy Angels Church, 245 Lake Street with the Reverend Father Christopher Micale as celebrant. Prayers of committal and interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Honored to be serving the family of Lena Smith is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com
