Irene Dorothy Smith

Irene Dorothy Smith - AKA "QUEENIE"- 86, of Concord, VT passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, surrounded by her family and close friends at her home, where she wished to be. Irene was the fifth of nine children born to Edward Joseph Gervais and Marjorie Ella Gervais on January 27, 1938.

Irene attended St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 1959. Shortly after, on June 20, 1959, she married the love of her life Francis Harold Smith from Danville, VT. This year they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They lived in Florida and Virginia while Francis was in the Navy and moved back to St. Johnsbury, VT where they raised their four children. In 1973, they moved to Concord, VT where their fifth child was born. Irene was employed at Dunkin Donuts for 32 years. After retirement, Irene and Francis enjoyed traveling to all but 5 states where she collected her spoons. Irene enjoyed playing cards, bingo, horseshoes at the Moose Club and VFW, where she won many tournaments. Since 1994, she was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Legion. Irene enjoyed spending time at their camp at Harvey's Lake in Barnet, VT and berry picking. She enjoyed watching NASCAR races rooting for Rusty Wallace, and fishing on the pontoon boat at Harvey's with Janet and Dennis Little and Chris and Allen Santy. Irene was always present at her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events. The spectators were always happy to see Irene because of the famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies she would bring. Irene was also known for her famous baked beans, rhubarb squares, banana dessert, gravy, and potato salad (with a smidgin of mustard).

Irene is survived by her husband: Francis; her daughters: Sandy (Tim) Quimby, Deborah (Henry) Marcy, Karen (Randy) Overton, Eva (Michael) Hemond, and son: John (Valerie) Smith; 13 grandchildren: Jennifer, Beth, Nicholas, Krystal, Kurtis, Ryan, Ashley, Mikey, Malorie, Evan, Kristiana, Brittany and Cody, 9 great grandchildren: Landon, Jenna, Sierra, Ethan, Taylor, Parker, Oakley, Kingston and Kaisyn, and one on the way;  sister: Yvonne (Reggie) Eastman of Sarasota, FL and  brother: Darrell (Gerri) Gervais of St. Johnsbury; sisters-in-law: Marilynn Gadapee, Suzanne Smith, Susan Smith; many nieces and nephews; and a new proclaimed sister: Joannie Paro.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers: Edward, Robert and Paul Gervais; sisters: Shirley Gervais, Evelyn Garand and Pauline Miles; brothers-in-law: Dale, Reggie, Bobby, Lee Smith and Wayne Gadapee.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 1-4 PM at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, VT.  There will be no other services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. A heartfelt thanks goes to all of the family, friends, friendly neighbors and hospice care to help fulfill Irene's wishes of being able to stay home during this time.

 Condolences can be shared online at saylesfh.com