Obituary of Flora P. Smith

Flora P. Smith, 88, died peacefully at her home July 21, 2015 with her devoted family by her side. Born October 26, 1926 at her family’s farm on Barnestown Road in Hope, Flora was the daughter of Ralph and Ethel Pearse. She attended Hope and Camden schools and graduated from Colby College in 1948. She taught history at Ellsworth High School from 1948 through 1951. While studying for her master’s degree at the University of Maine summer school in 1951, Flora met her future husband, Dana A. Smith of Dayton. They were married on January 5, 1952 in Dexter and moved to the coastal region in 1954 – first to North Haven and then to St. George in 1957. They moved to their current home on Watts Avenue in 1959 where they lived together until Dana’s death in 2007. Resourceful and self reliant by nature, Flora devoted the majority of her adulthood to domestic life. The creation of a happy and healthy environment where her family could grow and flourish was the driving force behind all her efforts. Amidst a household of unique personalities and varying interests, she gardened, cooked, and sewed. Whether she was packing 5 daily school lunches (including her husband’s) or hosting extensive stays for international students, Flora managed every challenge with grace and composure. As her family looked to her for stability and reassurance, Flora found solace and comfort in the outdoor world. The woods and gardens around her home brought her endless hours of pleasure and enjoyment. Whether it be planting, harvesting, trimming back or just “digging in the dirt” and “moving rocks” (as she liked to call it) , working outside was a life sustaining activity. She found special pleasure in baking fruit pies from the trees she and her husband planted. Flora’s happiness and sphere of influence expanded with grandmother hood. Belovedly known as “Granny” to her nine grandchildren, her gentle, agreeable disposition fostered a closely knit network of dog and cat lovers and “Granny fans.” In Granny’s kitchen, a palatable warmth flowed. Around her table, home cooked meals were served, games were played, stories read, and jokes shared. Always interested, forever encouraging, Flora nourished the hearts and minds of a younger Smith generation by creating a safe environment where being yourself was easy and fun. Throughout her life, Flora was an active volunteer in the St. George community. During the sixties and seventies, she was involved in PTA and Health Council. In later years she volunteered at the Jackson Memorial Library and Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum. She also worked side by side with her husband supporting a variety of goodwill causes. She was a member of Eastern Star, Rebekahs, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Aside from her special friends from Friday morning knitting and library book club, Flora is survived by her cat, Liddie and her four children and their families: Billie and Paul Gaudette of St. George, Baxter and Melody Smith of Seaford, Delaware, Bonnie and Dave Beaulieu of Avon, Ct., Bette and Alan Sturtevant of Oakland; her grandchildren: Jess Gaudette and Tai Choo of Brunswick, Gabe Gaudette of Appleton, Barrett Smith of Salisbury, MD., Tyler S. and Paul Widerman of Seaford, Delaware, Ben Beaulieu of Boston, Mass., Zach Beaulieu of Avon, Ct., Hannah S. and Sam Cobb of Pittsfield, Mass., Isaac and Jenn Sturtevant of Winslow, and Laura Sturtevant of Oakland. Two great-grandchildren, Matao Choo and Theodore Sturtevant also survive her, as well as two nieces, two nephews, a sister in law, Francina Pearse and several cousins. She was predeceased by her brothers, John and William Pearse. At her request, there will be no funeral services. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04841 or the Jackson Memorial Public Library, 71 Main Street, Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860.