Jeanne D. Smith

Jeanne Diane (Snyder) Smith, formerly of Lansdale, PA passed away peacefully on August 25, 2022 at the New England Homes for the Deaf, Danvers, MA where she resided for the past year and a half. Daughter of Warren (Barney R.) Snyder and Betty Jean (Mengel) Snyder, Jeanne was born in Danville, PA on May 21, 1945. Originally residing in Richfield, PA, her parents moved the family to Mount Airy, PA so that Jeanne could attend the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD). During her years at PSD, Jeanne was a top student and athlete, playing field hockey and cheerleading. In her spare time, she volunteered as a candy striper at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where she also taught hearing impaired children the art of speech and lip reading. Valedictorian of the Class of 1964, Jeanne graduated with distinguished honors and received awards for School Citizenship and the Alumni Association Award for Most Outstanding Student. Following graduation, Jeanne resided in Skippack, PA for 17 years where she raised her three children before moving to Long Beach Island, NJ in 1984. Jeanne’s professional career began in the late 1980s when she took a civilian position with the United States Navy at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, Lakehurst, NJ. Several years later, Jeanne transferred to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, MD to reside near her sister Joan and help care for their aging parents. During her time at Pax River, Jeanne was recognized for her exceptional performance as Administrative Support for the Investigations Department and the Department of Labor and Safety. After over 20 years of civilian service to the U.S. Navy, Jeanne retired in 2008 and returned to Pennsylvania to be closer to her children and grandchildren. On the rare occasion that Jeanne sat still, you would find her pouring through decorating magazines or watching the Hallmark channel. She loved the beach and swimming but Jeanne most enjoyed the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dog, Charlie. Jeanne is survived by her three children: Wendy Kirby (Jim) of Collegeville, PA; Daryl Smith of Virginia Beach; and Lynn Denitz (Mike) of Lansdale, PA. She is also survived by six grandchildren (Sean and his wife Chelsea, Matthew and his wife Julie, Andrew and Megan Kirby and Katherine and Grace Denitz), three great granddaughters (Raelynn, Ryann and Lyla Kirby), her sister Joan Turner (Jim), and brother Jeffrey Snyder (Terri) and five nieces and nephews. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Freeburg, PA. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Jeanne’s memory to the New England Homes for the Deaf, 154 Water Street, Danvers, MA 01923 to aid the facility and extraordinary staff that lovingly cared for Jeanne.