Valia “Peach” (Tonello) Smith, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Sandwich, MA, on February 20, 2015.
Peach, as she was known to all, was born in Quincy and spent the majority of her life in Massachusetts. She was raised as the third of ten children in Sagamore; spent a few exciting years in New York City as a newlywed; raised her three children in Whitman; and eventually moved to Easton as a retiree.
She and her beloved husband of 63 years, James “Chick” Smith (now deceased) spent nearly twenty years as “snow birds” before relocating to South Florida in 1993. Their marriage was an extraordinary one, the culmination of a two-week whirlwind romance that never ended, and the greatest comfort to all who will miss her is that Peach and Chick have been reunited in the afterlife.
Peach's selflessness and integrity, combined with a practical and hard-working nature, made her long life one that was full of abundance. She was an accomplished cook, immaculate home keeper, and inveterate do-it-yourself guru--wallpapering, painting, sewing, and crocheting. Her world centered around her family, immediate and extended. Nothing mattered more to her than her husband and three children, but anyone falling within the umbrella of family could count on her and Chick to help them in any way they could. Their greatest joy was the never-ending stream of children that would make their way into their arms and life and home over the years....or at least it felt that way to us.
A true survivor, proud matriarch, and great lady, Peach's quick humor, unflinching honesty, ageless beauty, and boundless generosity will be remembered and missed by all who loved her. Her smile was unforgettable, and the world shines a little less brightly without it.
Peach is survived by two daughters, Elaine Blood (Gene) of Newport, RI and Jean Foley of Seattle, WA ; and a son James Smith (Barbara) of Fort Myers, FL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren-- Patrick Foley (Kathy), James Foley, Laurie Brown, Mary Overton, Jennifer Carter (Lindsay), Kristine Bodycoat (Peter), and Kara Blood; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She will be missed by her three brothers-- Mario Tonello (Margaret), Vincent Tonello, and John Tonello; and one sister-- Louise Meuse; along with many other members of her large family who knew and loved her.
Her funeral service will be held Wednesday February 25 at 11 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte.58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will be at a later date in St. James Cemetery, Whitman. By request of the family all other services are omitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Services of Massachusetts, 577 Main Street, Wareham, MA 02571.