Here's the obituary that was sent out. It's ironic that the day after she passed, I was on my way to a job in Poland, connecting through London. It's almost like I was touching foot in her old country, just to say a final goodbye for her. She was always as warm as the sunshine and as tough as a Scottish thistle. My mom had some great stories of her childhood and I'll cherish remembering her telling every one of them.
I'll travel home from Poland next weekend and then head to MA for her service and burial.
Margaret āSallyā Smith passed away at home with her family by her side.
Sally was born and raised on the Clyde River in Scotland along with her brother Robert (Bob) Inglis (deceased). She cherished and shared many memories from her happy childhood, including the story of townsfolk giving her the canary from the engine room of a captured German submarine during WW2, to raise as a pet. Or greeting incoming allied troops from the railway embankment, as the GIās threw candy and treats to her and her friends as they rolled past on their way to war. She always reflected warmly on her upbringing, due to the love and caring of her parents Joseph and Margaret Inglis, traits that became instilled in her. Post-war, she went on to visit her school age pen-pals in France and Germany, where her love of traveling and adventure blossomed.
Sally passed the British civil service exam and at the age of 17, began her adventures as an adult. First being stationed at the British foreign office in London, later serving in Paris and eventually serving at the United Nations in NY. We always joked that she might have been secret agent 006 Ā½ .
She married John āJackā Smith (deceased) from Pawtucket, RI, before settling down in Auburn, MA. There she first worked at the Auburn Public Library as a librarian, while attending school at night, to complete a degree in early child development. She went on to become the director of the Tom Thumb Preschool at the former St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Auburn. Her kindness and generosity are fondly remembered by her former students, parents, and staff. Sally had a beaming smile and caring resolve to overcome any problem with determination, compassion, and humility. A trait from her austere Scottish upbringing.
Jack and Sally had a small loving family, including son Robert Smith (deceased) of Auburn, his wife Shirleyann (Stebbins) Smith of Auburn, grandson Robert Smith Jr. (Deceased) of Worcester, granddaughter Alyssa Smith, Auburn. Their second son Gordon Smith, his wife Shellie (Kammer) Smith and granddaughters Kaylie Smith and Lydia Smith, all of Denton, TX.
Sallyās legacy of her warm smile and
chipper demeanor, combined with her Scottish determination and compassion, will be cherished by all that she touched.
