Pamela G. Smith, 85 of Londonderry died Monday June 20, 2011 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Smith was born November 16, 1925 in Southampton, England, and was a daughter of the late Charles and Grace (Olde) Kelly. She was raised and educated in Exeter, Devon, England, and attended business school after her primary education. During WWII Pamela worked at Exeter Airfield, at which time she met a young US Army Sergeant, Russell, her “dreamboat” who became her husband of 63 years. They were married in England and, after sailing to the United States aboard the Queen Mary, the couple settled in Londonderry to start their family.
Pamela was a former Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. She was also an avid fund raiser for the Londonderry Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the “Cabaret Girls,” who entertained for fund raising events. She loved the quiet outdoors of her home where she enjoyed gardening, listening to music in her cabana, and many a good cup of tea. Her other hobbies included knitting, baking, playing scrabble and cards, and telling wonderful stories on her grandchildren’s backs. She also loved to draw, refinish antiques, and enjoyed collectibles. Mum, Gran, GG will be most remembered for her absolute devotion to her husband and family as well as for her incredible strength of will, infinite patience, selflessness, creative charm, and reassuring tenderness.
Members of the family include a daughter and her domestic partner Cynthia Center and Glynna Wilson of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a daughter and her husband, June and William Puglisi, of Londonderry, and a son and his wife, Neil and Jacqueline, of Manchester. Also five grandchildren: Wayne and wife Thaya, Wendy and husband Juan, Matthew, Kacey, and Kyle and five great grandchildren: Jacob, Ryan, Jessica, Madison and Clayton (CJ), a brother, Basil Kelly of Lassay, France, a sister, Nancy Skinner of Broadstone, Dorset, England, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell “Royce” Smith in 2008 and by her brother, Anthony (Bill) Kelly.
An hour of visitation was held Friday, June 24th from 3 - 4 pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A memorial service followed at 4 pm in the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at a later date.