ORIENT – Betty H. Smith passed from this world in the company of friends on March 6, 2004, at a Houlton health-care facility, following a long illness. She was born June 27, 1926, in Linneus, the daughter of Harry and Annie (Dawson) Smith. Betty was educated in Aroostook County schools, in communities where her father served as an agricultural worker and where her family boarded with the farm families whom they served. She was proud of her training at St. Mary’s Parochial School in Houlton, and in her later years, especially enjoyed attending choir rehearsals at the church with her friend, Claudette Gagnon, who directed the choir. For many years, Betty made a home on the Sunset Park Road in Orient with her friends and companions, Jackie Colson and Lulu Bartlett. Together, they provided custodial and caretaker services for many summer residents at East Grand Lake. Betty also served the Town of Orient as a ballot clerk and was the postmistress of the community for several years. She was charter member of the Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy (Clic). She was an avid reader and video enthusiast. She had a special fondness for Westerns and was exceptionally knowledgeable about the war between the states and the world wars. At a later date, her extensive library will be offered for sale to create a memorial fund in her honor. Betty had a great fondness for all loving things. Her home was a haven for stray cats, and her yard was frequented by birds and wildlife who seemed to sense a nurturing safe-zone in her presence. She was predeceased by her parents; by her companions, Jackie and Lulu; and by her special friends, Claudette Gagnon and Helen Hughes Lane. Although she died without near relatives, she is survived by innumerable friends who mourn her passing. A burial service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at the Orient Cemetery on the Peters Cove Road, conducted by the Rev. Frances Cox and Harold Dickinson. Friends are invited to share memories. Contributions may be made to a memorial fund to provide a grave marker, care of the Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
BETTY H. SMITH
