NEWPORT – Josephine Hilliker Smith, 92, wife of the late Keith N. Smith, died Jan. 17, 2009, at her home in North Newport. She was born July 19, 1916, at the family homestead, Hillacre Farm, North Newport, the youngest daughter of Densmore S. and Mertie (Fitts) Hilliker. After attending schools in North Newport, she graduated from Maine Central Institute – MCI, in 1934. During her freshman year at MCI, she met the love of her life and future husband, Keith N. Smith. They were wed April 18, 1934, and moved to the family farm, where they established a successful potato operation and raised their family. Through the next 74 years, Josephine devoted herself to being Keith’s partner and helpmate. Keith predeceased her March 25, 2008. Josephine attended United Methodist Church, Corinna and Sun City, Fla., and was active in United Methodist Women. As a young woman, she taught Sunday school at North Newport Christian Church and was a member of Willing Workers Club. She was a past president and 50-year member of Newport Women’s Club. She was also a former member of Newport Junior Extension and Amicus Club of Corinna. She was a gracious hostess entertaining family, friends and business associates through the years. She will long be remembered for her thoughtfulness in sending notes and cards to old friends and shut-ins. Keith and Josephine were longtime supporters of North Newport Christian Church, North Newport Cemetery and Stewart Free Library. After retiring, Keith and Josephine enjoyed their winters in Florida and their summers at Camp Castkejo, Moosehead Lake. They took up the sport of golf and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on the golf course in Florida and then repeated the event at Moosehead, where they hosted an annual family outing. Josephine was dearly loved and deeply respected by her family. Nothing made “GG” happier than being surrounded by her family. Josephine is survived by her four children, Carl D. Smith and his wife, Linda, of Corinna, Stewart N. Smith and his wife, Sarah, of Orono, Sheila and her husband, Brian Campbell, of Exeter and Cheryl and her husband, Arthur Alston, of Newport. She is also survived by her grandchildren and families, Carl R. Smith and wife, Maryanne, and children, Carl Taylor and Mackenzie; Elizabeth Smith and partner, Jennifer Hoopes, and sons, Justin and Colin; Chandler Smith and wife, Elena, and sons, Austin and Carter; Karen Bergeron and husband, Mark, and children, Lucas and Ella; Eric Smith and wife, Laura, and children, Sarah and Stephen; Sylvia Miholovich and husband, Phillip, and son, Connor; Susan Cummiskey and husband, Robert, and sons, Carlton and Christopher; Jolynn Campbell; Jeffrey Campbell and wife, Dawn, and sons, Cole and Brody; Adam Edwards and wife, Vicky, and sons, Parker and Bryce; Carol Severance and daughter, Gabrielle; Michael Severance and daughter, Crystal; and Mark Severance and wife, Tara, and daughter, Jillian. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Keith; two sisters, Lurena Whitten and Elizabeth LaFrance; a half brother, Errold Hilliker; and a great-granddaughter, Melena Smith. Funeral services for Josephine will be held in the spring at North Newport Christian Church and announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to North Newport Christian Church, Helen Baker Treasure, 613 Mullen Road, Newport, ME 04953. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, Newport. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes, please visit www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.
JOSEPHINE HILLIKER SMITH
