Weymouth, MA – Janice Ann Smith of Weymouth, MA passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2026 at the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham, MA, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Hanover, NH in 1955, she was the daughter of Walter and Della (Swasey) Smith of Post Mills, VT. Janice cherished her childhood on the shores of Lake Fairlee, where her lifelong love of nature began. Although she spent most of her adult life in the Boston area, she always said that Post Mills was truly her home.
Janice graduated from Thetford Academy in 1973. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johnson State College in 1978, followed by an Associate degree in Science (Nursing) from the University of Vermont in 1981. That same summer, she began her nursing career at Burlington’s Mary Fletcher Hospital before relocating to the Boston area, where she would build a remarkable career spanning more than four decades.
Janice worked in a variety of roles at several Boston hospitals, becoming a nurse manager in the early 1990s and later transitioning into case management in the late 1990s. One of her final roles was as Director of Case Management for Care One. She was deeply devoted to her profession and took great pride in being a nurse-first and foremost. Her knowledge, strength, and steady presence were a source of comfort to countless patients, colleagues, friends, and family members. She formed many lasting friendships throughout her career and life, touching people with her kindness and wonderful sense of humor.
Outside of her work, Janice found joy in simple but meaningful pleasures. She had a deep love for music, which was a constant companion throughout her life. She was also drawn to the ocean, finding peace in its rhythm and beauty, and treasured any time she could spend near the water. Like the lake of her childhood, the ocean was a place where she felt most at ease.
Janice was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Della Smith; her brother, Russell A. Smith; and her infant great-niece, Elaina Marquis. She is survived by her sister, Judith Adams and her husband Sidney of Thetford, VT; her niece Amy Campbell and her husband Bruce of Milton, VT; her nephew Christian Adams and his wife Elizabeth of Essex, VT; her nephew Jeffrey Adams and his wife Laurie of Jericho, VT; and her niece Kathryn Gillam and her husband Stephen of Lyme, NH. She also leaves behind a great-niece, three great-nephews, and three great-great-nephews.
Janice had many dear friends who supported her throughout her long illness, but none meant more to her than her best friend, Terri White. In her final weeks, Terri cared for Janice with extraordinary love and devotion. With some help from family members who came down from Vermont, she was able to keep Janice at home until just a few days before her passing.
A true lover of animals, Janice cared deeply for all creatures, big and small. She especially adored her four cats-Ollie, Chazzy, Lily, and Lulu-whom she rescued as kittens nearly a decade ago. They remained by her side, offering companionship and comfort until the very end. In honor of Janice’s love for animals, her family kindly asks that any donations be made in her name to your local Humane Society.
Janice was, at her core, a kind and caring person who lived a life dedicated to helping others. She will be remembered for her compassion, her strength, and the quiet goodness she brought into the world. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A private family burial will take place at the Post Mills Cemetery at a later date.
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