Deanna Smith

Biography

Monson-Deanna Joy Smith, age 38 - beloved daughter and sister, Navy veteran and nurse, spiritual and intuitive - died peacefully in her sleep at home in Monson MA , April 29, 2011.

Deanna was born on August 20, 1972 in Springfield MA to her adoring parents David and Ann (Menard) Smith of Monson MA. She is also survived by her devoted sister Debra Smith, loving brother-in-law Andy Podesta of Lakeville MA, and Pepere Paul Menard of Ludlow MA. She is predeceased by her loving Memere Anita (DuBois) Menard and her loving Grampy and Grammy Ted and Loretta (Dorval) Smith.

Deanna was a beloved member of a large, loving, and fun-filled family and leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including her godparents Janice and Charlie Smith of Southern Shores NC and Peter and Diane Menard of Plantsville CT. Her large, loving French-Canadian family will forever miss her spirit.

Deanna graduated from Monson High School in 1990 and from Norwich University in Northfield VT with a BSN degree in nursing in 1994. She was the first nurse graduate in the NROTC program. She was a nurse by vocation and heart.

After graduation, Deanna was commissioned into the US Navy - to follow in the footsteps of her paternal grandfather - in 1994 as an ensign. Since she didn't like ships and the open ocean, Deanna served "landside" as a military nurse in a variety of mostly Marine units, including the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego CA and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She resigned her commission in 1998.

Deanna later worked in hospitals around the country in a variety of nursing capacities, including emergency room, intensive care, surgical, orthopedics and oncology units. In addition, she also cared for dialysis and dementia patients.

Deanna was a fun-loving and playful young woman, full of spunk and sass, quick with a smile and giggles. She developed a spiritual connection to the Earth's energy, believing in the strength and wonder of things unseen and not understood. She was at times tough and vulnerable, commanding and delicate, joyful and struggling.

Deanna loved and was loved by those she leaves behind. She will be missed deeply by those of us who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Dee. We love you. Say Hi to your grandmothers for us.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Lombard Funeral Home in Monson. A visiting hour will begin at 10am with a funeral service at 11am. Military Honors will take place at 1pm at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Patrick's Restoration Fund PO Box 473 Monson, MA 01057.