Dona Jean Smith

Dona Jean Hawley Smith, 92, passed peacefully in her rose themed bedroom on November 9, 2024 with family at her bedside. Devoted wife and mother of 6, Dona was born in Casper Wyoming of Danish and German ancestry. She grew up in South Bend, Indiana, where she attended Riley High School. As a young woman, she showed a flair for creativity, taking an active role in school plays, acting, and designing costumes, while spending weekends working at the Indiana Theatre.

Also blessed with a keen mind and gift for numbers, Dona’s talents led her to the Fitterling Transportation Company, where she was valued for her precision and diligence in the accounting department. In 1952, she married Gerald Smith, beginning a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they owned Smith’s Stone Company, which became a trusted supplier of quality home-building products, contributing to South Bend’s architectural landscape. Ever dedicated, Dona gracefully balanced motherhood and business. She was often seen managing the office with a phone pressed to her ear, a pencil in one hand, and a child on her hip.

In 1973, Gerald and Dona left the cold winters of the midwest behind, selling the business and moved to New Port Richey, Florida. There they embraced a vibrant life on the water, filled with boating, swimming, and shelling on Anclote Key. Summers were a time for traveling in the RV while visiting family along the way. Dona, ever the navigator, meticulously highlighted maps and directed their journeys, finding joy in each new destination, bike ride, trail and historical landmark.

As her children grew older and she found more time for herself, Dona returned to exploring her creativity through photography, pottery, and singing in the folk mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She was a gifted seamstress, skillfully sewing her children’s clothes, crafting special-occasion dresses and costumes, and upholstering everything from furniture to boat cushions. When grandchildren arrived, she brought them into her world of nature, adventure, and fun—creating cherished memories with sleepovers, swims, bike rides, and exploring Florida parks.

In her later years, Dona embraced life with independence. She drove herself to exercise classes, kept up with family bookkeeping and continued to read several novels a week into her 90's. Known for her kind and thoughtful nature, Dona was always more concerned with others' well-being than her own. She cared for her husband, Gerald, through his final days, honoring their 56-year marriage with unwavering love and devotion. A source of strength and patience, she was known for her encouraging spirit and forgiving heart, always seeing the best in those around her.

Dona is survived by her six children: Theresa Smith of Orlando, FL; Tammy Pairitz of Walkerton, IN; Michael Smith of Punta Gorda, FL; David Smith of New Port Richey, FL; Steven Smith of New Port Richey, FL; and Judi Shila of Lutz, FL. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and kindness.

A celebration of Dona’s life will be held in January 2025. Family and friends will be notified of the details.

Dona Jean Hawley Smith will be remembered always as a gentle soul and a devoted mother and grandmother, loved by all.