Obituary of Nancy O. Smythe

Nancy O'Keeffe Smythe, 89, died yesterday February 12, 2012. Born to John O'Keeffe and Mary Katherine Ellis O'Keeffe, she was a lifelong resident of Plainfield. Nancy was a dedicated member of her community; a parishioner at St. Bernard's Church, a member of the Laurel League, and a board member and docent at the Drake House in Plainfield. Nancy was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved food and gardening. An avid reader, she also enjoyed movies and travel. Fiercely devoted to her children, she extended her love and generosity to all who knew her - and she had the ability to light up a room with her presence. Optimistic by nature, she was a true romantic. Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Donald H. Smythe, and her brother, Jamie O'Keeffe. She is survived by her children Kathleen Smythe, Louise Smythe, Donald (and Barbara) Smythe, Mary Ann Smythe, Patricia (and Larry) Harding, and Elaine Smythe, her sisters Marie Mottley, Jean Reilley, Joan (and Lou) Harding, Jane Jaeger, and Bette (and Jack) Petersen, eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Services will begin at 9:00 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, NJ followed by a 10:00 am Mass of the Resurrection at St Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus Kostka R.C. Church in Plainfield. The interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the funeral home. Please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com to send condolences.