Margaret M. Smith

COLUMBIA, NH—Mrs. Margaret M. Smith, 68, of Columbia, passed away at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook very early on Friday morning, June 7, 2013. She was born in Laconia, NH, on April 18, 1945, a daughter to the late Robert L. and Laura O. (Fregeole) Rice. She attended St. John Catholic School and later graduated from Laconia High School. Margaret was married to Frederick B. Smith on June 29, 1963, who, along with her two sons, was the love of her life. Before moving to Colebrook in 1978, Margaret worked for the law firm of James Doherty. In the north country, she was a familiar face working first at the NH State Liquor Store, and later for many years at Lambert’s Grocery Store which later became Prescott Farms and then Clarkeie’s Market, from which she retired. Margaret was also one of the earliest EMTs in the area, and was a dedicated volunteer member of the Colebrook Ambulance Corps for more than 20 years. She was also a CPR instructor and instructor trainer for 12 years, along with her partner Eric Stohl. She was a lover of all different kinds of animals, and she also enjoyed gardening and fishing, walking, and being outdoors, always putting her heart and soul into everything that she did. She was the strong-willed rock of her family, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Fred Smith of Columbia; two sons, Fred Smith of Columbia, and Brian Smith and wife Elaina of Chester, Vt.; a brother, Robert Rice of Laconia; a sister, Eleanor Leclerc and husband Armand of Laconia; a grandson Matthew Smith and wife Stacey; and a granddaughter, Kari Smith; five great-grandchildren; and several brothers and sisters-in-law who all had a special place in her heart. At Margaret’s specific request, all services will be private. Expressions of sympathy in Margaret’s memory may be made to the NHSPCA, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885; or online at www.nhspca.org. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Margaret M. Smith

April 18, 1945 - June 7, 2013