Winnifred R. (MacArthur) Smith, 89
Winnifred R. Smith, 89, of Wilmington, MA, passed peacefully in the loving presence of family on February 2, 2015. She was born and raised in Lynn, MA, the 6th of 7 children born to the late John and Jennie (Mason) MacArthur. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Dorothy Bragdon, and brothers, Lawrence, Mason, Lloyd, and Warren MacArthur. Winnie, as she was known, graduated from Lynn English High School in 1943 where she participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps, Choir, and was voted “Best Dressed”. A talented artist, Winnie earned a degree from The School of Practical Art, Newbury Street, Boston in 1946. She then secured a position with the Thompson Laboratory of General Electric’sRiverworks facility in Lynn, utilizing her art training in their photography department. It was here that she met the love of her life and future husband, Richard Smith. After residing a few years in Lynn and Peabody, the couple moved to Wilmington in 1957, raising four children and enjoying their home, gardens and lovely neighborhood. They retired in 1987, and spent the following 18 years happily wintering in Orlando, FL and traveling extensively throughout the eastern United States.
Winnie was an accomplished singer, and enjoyed bringing the joy of song to all she encountered, from patrons of her childhood church, to her nursing home staff and residents. Her legendary “MacArthur sweet tooth” no doubt inspired her passion for baking, and she became especially known for her mouthwatering pies. Quite fond of colorful flowers, Winnie devoted many happy hours perfecting hercolorful gardens, which would sometimes actually stop traffic. She was an avid birder, reader, and nature lover. Always fascinated by the weather “dramas” of New England,Winnie chose to depart this world during a raging snow storm, naturally.
Winnie will long be remembered not only for her many talents, but also for her gentle, compassionate nature, sweet smile, and loving heart. She will certainly be sorelymissed by all whose lives she touched. Her family gratefully acknowledges Compassionate Care Hospice, and especially Wilmington Health Care Center, where she resided since 2012, for their compassion and wonderful care.
Left to mourn her passing are her devoted and loving husband of 64 years, Richard Smith, and her four children, Gloria Smith (and Peter Fang) of AZ, Glen Smith(and Linda) of Dracut, Gale Smith (and David Ellis) of SC, and Gaye Iverson (and Kevin McLynch) of NH. She leaves 5 adoring grandchildren: Katelyn Alberts, Jason and Shelley Fang, and Dustin and Cody Iverson. She also leaves her beloved sister, Jean (and Gordon) Brown, sister-in-law, Peggy MacArthur, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
As per her wishes, her family held an intimate Celebration of Life, sharing songs, prayers, poems, photos, and stories in honor of Winnie. In lieu of flowers, contributions for a Memorial Bench in her memory may be made payable to: Gale Smith, PO Box 1408, Hollywood, SC 29449.