Gail Marie Fitzpatrick Smith, 60, of Holliston, MA, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2011, at home surrounded by her loving family.She was the devoted wife of John Ben Smith, Jr., of 37 years.Born in Brighton, MA on July 1, 1951, she was the daughter of James Fitzpatrick of West Harwich, MA and the late Marion Keenan Fitzpatrick.Gail was an amazing woman, who embraced life to the fullest. Her many lifes roles ranged from being a TWA reservations agent, a teachers assistant, a nurses aide and a staff coordinator at Boston University Physical Therapy Center. However, her true passion was being a wife and dedicated mother to her four children. Gails positive energy and beautiful smile could lighten up any room she entered. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and she lived to share a laugh.Gail is survived by her loving husband, Ben Smith, her father, James Fitzpatrick, and her devoted children: Kerri A. Smith of Sterling VA, JB Eric Smith and his wife Kerri L. Smith of North Kingstown, RI, Lauren M. Ellis and her husband Derek C. Ellis of Waltham, MA, and Andrew J. Smith of Waltham, MA. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Joplin B. Smith and brother Thomas Fitzpatrick of West Harwich, MA, sister in law Linda Fitzpatrick of Waltham, MA, nieces Erin Mattus and her husband Daniel of Burlington, MA and Nicole Fitzpatrick of Waltham, MA. She was preceded in death by her brother James R. Fitzpatrick.Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, July 27 from 5:00-8:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 8:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 9:00am in St. Marys Church, Spring Street Newport.In Lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Attention: Charitable Accounting, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523 in loving memory of Gail Smith.
Parul Patel - August 08, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Benny and family, My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I feel blessed to have known Gail for so many years and have shared many laughs with her. I will always remember her as a fun, energetic woman with a fabulous sense of humor. She will be missed by many, Parul Patel"
Brooke Crowley Machado - July .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"My deepest sympathies to the family with the loss of your Mom & wife, Gail. May you have strength to help each other through this sad time."
Tricia Curran - July 28, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Smith Family, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Gail was such a wonderful person to be around, I was lucky to have been able to spend time with her while working at B.U. Her laughter was contagious and she was so kind hearted. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope that you find comfort in the wonderful memories that you all have together. With deepest sympathies, Tricia Curran"
Mary Groff - July 27, 2011 at .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail: Pier 49 will never be the same without you and your infectious laughter! I'm going to miss you "middle sista". Cheers! :- Love, Mary"
Sheila Lee - July 27, 2011 at .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the joy Gail brought you in life, comfort you at this very sad time. Chuck and Sheila Lee"
Karen Shuman - July 27, 2011 a.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"To the Smith family, May your hearts be filled with many fond, warm, fun and loving memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Elise Nessolini Alegria - July.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"I knew Gail growing up on Lafayette Street and from Waltham High . She was the bubbliest and nicest persosn I knew. I graduated with her brother Jimmy. My sympathy goes out to both the Fitzpatrick's and the Smith's at this difficult time. Elise Nessolini Alegria Class of WHS 1971"
Tom Groff - July 27, 2011 at 1.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail, I will forever miss that smile that lit up the whole waterfront as we relaxed at all of our favorite spot. I will forever be grateful to have enjoyed your company and friendship, and will forever regret that I haven't know you forever. You now have well earned peace. I love you "Middle sister-in-law" We'll see you again, and we'll all laugh again."
Lauren Ferland - July 27, 2011.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail, You will always hold a very special place in my heart. I often referred to you as my "work mom" because you always took such good care of me - whether it was packing a little extra in your lunch to share or giving me words of encouragement on a bad day. My day was always brighter with you in it. I'll never forget our last happy moments we spent together in the back office secretly watching silly videos on you-tube. We shared a lot of laughs and I am forever grateful for your friendship. I love you. xox"
Shawna M. Brinkerhoff - July 2.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Much aloha to your whole family..."
Sara Brinkerhoff - July 26, 20.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Kerri, Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Take good care of you. Sara"
MaryAnn Doherty Bell - July 26.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Ben, children of Gail, Jim and Tom, I was so sorry to hear of Gail's passing. I've known Gail since I was young and always enjoyed spending time with her when we would attend family events at the Crowley house. It saddens me to think of all of the suffering, physically and emotionally, that she must have experienced during her illness. I was comforted to read that she died peacefully, surrounded by her family who loved her. I will always remember Gail as a warm, friendly and caring person. She has gone too soon, but is now with God, enveloped in His unconditional love, where a beautiful new world has opened for her. My prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time. MaryAnn Doherty Bell Crowley family cousin"
Scott & Chris Newcomer - July .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Kerri and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time please accept our condolences."
Terry Davis - July 26, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Jim/John Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. Your Friend Pat & Terry Davis"
Peter, Lynna, Katy and Andy Henderson wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"We were saddened to hear of Gail's death, but were so happy to read that she was surrounded by the family she adored when it was time. Hugs to all the Smiths, with an extra hug to AJ and Ben."
Lorraine Baker - July 26, 2011.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail, ours was not a long friendship but a deep friendship. You will forever be my BFF...Love Lorraine"
SHana McKay - July 26, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Smith family, I am sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She will be missed. Shana McKay & Family"
Paul G. Meade - July 26, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Kerri, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find solace in knowing that your mother was surrounded by loved ones as she said goodbye and passed on to a more comfortable place. May you experience peace that her struggle is over and cherish the joy of the life you enjoyed with her. My deepest sympathies to you and your family, God Bless, Paul"
Theresa and Bill Connolly - Ju.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"To Ben and family. Gail has always had a special place in the hearts of all the Crowleys. As a cousin, she was often more like a sister. We will always remember her infectous laugh and her love of life. She'll be looking down on all of you and rooting for you. We're glad there are so many great memories for you to visit and revisit."
Alyssa Rosen Frasca - July 26,.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Lauren, My heart hurts for you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to all the special memories you and your mother shared together. They will help you when you need it most. Your mother will always be with you. I am so sorry for your loss"
Adam Naylor - July 26, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Deepest sympathies. Gail was a warm smile, vibrant energy, and caring soul that brought joy to my life at BU. Her energy endures. I feel fortunate to have shared a few laughs and a few stories with her."
Mary LaRosa Chiasson - July 26.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"I've known Gail since kindergarden and what I will always remember about this beautiful girl is her love of life and fun and her wonderful laugh. I can only imagine how very sad her dear family is, and I will greatly miss Gail. Mary"
KiRa Salon - July 26, 2011 at .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Smith Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You all have been on our minds and in our hearts. Although the times that Gail popped into the salon were brief they always left an impression. And when she was with you girls Lauren and Kerri her smiled seemed to widen. You could just tell from her smile just how proud she was to be your Mom. A beautiful soul Gail Smith! Love your friends at KiRa Salon"
Mary Souza - July 26, 2011 at .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Eric, Kerri, Joplin, So sorry for the loss of your mother I am glad to have been able to have met your mom. She was full of life, enjoyed being outside by the waterfront with her cocktail and being around people. God Bless Mary"
Theresa & Bill Connolly - July.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail, We miss you. Thank you for so many great times full of fun, laughter and love. Your beautiful face and infectous laugh will never be forgotten. You set the standard for giving, sharing and including everyone. Your life and smile made laughing out-loud fashionable and fun once again. With our love. "We'll See Ya'""
Lee Marinko - July 26, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"To the entire Smith Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Gail will be deeply missed. She always presented a smile and a laugh no matter the circumstances here at BU. I am so thankful to have shared some of her life and happiness. My condolences to all of you. May you find comfort in her smile in these times. Best to you all, Lee Marinko"
Rich Mann - July 25, 2011 at 1.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"My thoughts and prayes go out to you and your family."
Keith Meyer - July 25, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Kerri, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
Norma Bacon - July 25, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail Marie Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Smith was what I used to tease you with when we were working. I'll remember "The Best of Bread" and your helping me go to the manmall and how we picked Lew. My heart is broken and I will forever cherish the time we worked together. Laura is there and will help you on your way."
Alfred Pacifico - July 25, 201.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Kerri Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Wendy & Al"
Linda Waters - July 25, 2011 a.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Kerri Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. Thinking of you and your family. Here any time you need me."
Danielle Bischoff - July 25, 2.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"What a beautiful picture of your mother. She was blessed to have so much love surrounding her. May your memories bring you comfort. ~ Love, prayers and many hugs from the Bischoff family."
Ann Marie Last - July 25, 2011.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail i have so many fond memories of you that i will cherish forever , i always loved being in your company , u always lit up a room . You had such a big heart , magic is a word i would use to describe you . I love you and will miss you so much !! Love Always , Your Irish Daughter , Ann Marie xxxxx"
Leeann Teager & Ryan Logue - J.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Such a vibrant, enthusiastic, fun person to be around with a presence that will surely be missed. Sending our thoughts to the entire Smith family during this difficult time."
Patrizia - July 25, 2011 at 12.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of such a wonderful woman. Always welcoming her home and her hugs to us visitors. I will miss her dearly. My thoughts are with all her family."
Audrey Harman - July 25, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"I am sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers."
Michael O''Brien - July 25, 20.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Kerri and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We will keep you in our thoughts. The O'Brien's"
Jolene Pecci - July 25, 2011 a.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"So many memories! Gail helped us clean and move into each of our apts, cooked us numerous dinners in Htown steak tips and special sauce! and newport and even let us crash at her house on so many occasions. She didn't even get upset when I tracked tractor grease all over the new carpet! She let me move in with her and her fam in Htown between apartments and even turn her dining room into a wedding workshop! I'll never forget all the convos with her over a glass of wine and i'll always treasure the recipe book she made me for my wedding. Never was a time that I didn't enjoy spending time with Gail and I will always remember her and all the laughs we shared. She made each and every one of Lauren's friends feel like part of her family and I'm so thankful to have had her as part of my life. Gail was filled with so much love, hospitality, spirit, and strength. We will miss her incredibly and are so sorry for her loss. my heart goes to the Smith's for the loss of such an incredible woman."
Elizabeth Wilkinson - July 25,.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"I am so very sorry to hear about Cousin Gail. Gail was a wonderful woman and mother. I have very fond memories of her growing up on the Cape. She was always the most beautiful and fashionable woman and I always thought "I want to be like that when I grow up!" I send prayers and thoughts to her whole family. Love you!"
Kevin Mahoney - July 25, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Offering prayers and support to the Smith family on behalf of RCN."
Ray Haynes - July 25, 2011 at .. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Dear Kerri and family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Ray & Harriette Haynes"
Jim and Betty Fairchild - July.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"We share your loss with heavy hearts. The fact her pain and suffering is over helps in the realization she is in a better place."
Tom & Pat Teager - July 25, 20.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Lauren, We will always remember all the years of seeing your Mom on the soccer sidelines cheering for her children, and all the good times we spent together afterwards at a pub or restaurant. Please know our hearts and prayers are with your family tonight."
Jacquelyn - July 25, 2011 at 1.. wrote on Jul 23, 2011:
"Gail, you are the mother and wife I have always wanted to grow up to be. So giving of yourself, your home, your infectious smile and laughter... your caring heart and love for family, friends, fun and the sun created a glow of energy that everyone just wants to be around. You are missed in ways words can't describe, but I know you are looking down and still smiling and caring for your loved ones. Love you, Miss Jackie xoxo"