Obituary of Margaret Veronica Smith

Margaret Veronica (Kane) Smith, 94, a longtime resident of Hampden and Brewer, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023, in the loving arms of two of her granddaughters, Michele and Shawnna.  She was born April 25, 1928, in the home of her parents, Thomas Patrick Kane and Veronica (Arsenault) Kane, on Blake Street in Brewer.  To her last day, she fondly remembered growing up on Blake Street and could name every neighbor.

Margaret attended schools in Brewer and Bangor, ultimately attending John Bapst High School until the death of her brother in World War II left her to care for her grieving parents.  In 1974, she was proud to complete her education and earn her GED. Margaret was born and raised in the Catholic faith.  She was a devoted student of the Catechism and found great comfort in the Rosary.   

On September 20, 1947, on Paul Kenneth Smith’s 20^th birthday, she gave him the best gift of his life by becoming his wife.  Margaret and Ken welcomed their first child, Dawn Marie, 11 months later, and more than 18 years after that, they welcomed their 8^th and final child, Denise Kane.  The Smith family of 10 lived in a rambling, two story, five-bedroom home with but one bathroom in east Hampden.  The house was always filled with family, friends, food, mischief, and chaos.  Together Margaret and Ken purchased L. H. Thompson Printing in Brewer and worked tirelessly to grow that business for more than 50 years. Margaret was active with various organizations throughout her life, and supported Ken’s membership in philanthropic organizations, particularly in the activities of Anah Shriners.  Her happiest place on earth was the camp on Green Lake where so many special moments were shared with family, especially her grandchildren.  Home and family were so important to Margaret.  

Margaret was artistic, creative, loving, and generous.  She could sew, knit, crochet, paint, and any other creative endeavor she put her mind to.  She could whip up a tasty meal or delicious treat at a moment’s notice.  Usually the life of the party, she was an entertaining storyteller, a master of the practical joke, and could even make you laugh at life’s tragedies.  She had lifelong friends and continually made new friends. In the end, she outlived most of them and missed them fiercely.    Above all, she loved her children.  She was thankful for them all, and very proud to be their mother.  She loved her grandchildren so, celebrating their accomplishments, and delighting in their mischief.  We will all miss her in our own special way, while giving thanks that she is at peace.

She was predeceased by her parents; siblings Fred, Mary (Rooney), Thomas, and William; husband, Paul Kenneth Smith; daughter Paula Jane Williams; sons-in-law Bill MacDonald and Dean Craig.  Margaret is survived by children Dawn MacDonald, Thomas Smith and wife Brenda, Margaret Craig, Veronica White and husband Terry, Gregory Smith and wife Rae Anne, Kathleen Novosad and husband Timothy, Denise Jones and husband Roger; grandchildren Tina Autry and wife Melissa Sullivan, Michelle Smith Archambault and husband Tim, Thomas Smith, Matthew Smith and wife Angela, Justin Smith and wife Jessie Soder, Casey Craig Commander, Shawnna Smith, Jeremy White and wife Allyson, Jeffrey White, Annie Smith and husband Matthew Parsons, Shelby Novosad Petty and husband Drew, Kelsey Novosad Leon and husband Kris, Veronica Novosad, Margaret Jones, and Gregory Jones; 16 great-grandchildren and counting; dear friends Ralph and Peggy Holyoke; cousin and confidante Katherine Smith; a host of nieces and nephews.

Margaret’s family would like to thank the loving, caring staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice Care, and Westgate Center in Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice Care, P.O. Box 403, Bangor, ME 04401, or the Employee Engagement Fund at Westgate Center, 750 Union Street, Bangor, ME 04401.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 A.M., Monday, February 6, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 531 North Main Street, Brewer.  In accordance with her wishes, the family invites you to join us for a final farewell happy hour, 5-7 P.M., Monday, February 6, 2023, in the Black Bear Room at Seasons, 427 Main St., Bangor.

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com