1908 – 2003

FARMINGTON – Mary Ilene Smith, 94, of Wilton, died Wednesday, April 9, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Anson, Aug. 22, 1908, a daughter of Omer and Elizabeth (Savoy) Gilbert. She attended Anson and Wilton schools. In 1928, she married Bill Smith in Wilton. He died Feb. 12, 1974.

Mrs. Smith worked at the Wilton Woolen Mill and G.H. Bass. Her primary job was a homemaker to her family. Upon retiring, she devoted her time to charitable work volunteering throughout the community. She organized a group of local women who entertained patients at nursing homes throughout the area by playing Beano.

She also provided transportation for those in need to run errands and was awarded the RSVP Award in 1990. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s in Wilton and later at St. Joseph’s in Farmington.

She enjoyed reading, crafts, walking, traveling on camping trips, flower gardening, and dancing when she was a younger woman. She was a tremendous people person and all that knew her will miss her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters, Beverly Franchetti of Wilton, Shirley Lothrop of South Berwick, and June Strigle and her husband Jerry of Lady Lake, Fla.; a sister, Evelyn Richards of Livermore Falls; 10 grandchildren, David Lothrop, Diane Poulin, Donna McKenzie, Mark Masterman, Michelle Morris, Peter Franchetti, Betsy Harvey, Steve, John, and David Franchetti; 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Edna Stinson and Janet Regn; and two sons-in-law, Bob Franchetti and Bob Lothrop.