Sheila Smith
Claremont, NH – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sheila Fay Smith 73, a beacon of kindness and compassion, who departed this world on June 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 11, 1952, in the comforting embrace of Keene, New Hampshire, Sheila touched countless lives with her unwavering generosity and the warmth of her spirit. Sheila was the cherished daughter of Lawrence Fair of Rochester, NH, and Beverly French of Keene, NH, who predeceased her along with two beloved brothers. One brother, taken too soon by polio, and another, Larry Fair, who left us unexpectedly, were always close to Sheila’s heart. These early losses shaped the compassionate woman she became, someone who understood the value of time and the importance of love. She is survived by her loving children, Debra A. Neil and Ray L. Smith, whose lives were enriched by her nurturing spirit. Ray’s wife Lori, Debra’s boyfriend, Henry, and Sheila’s siblings, Sharon Labraney, Ronnie Fair, and Timmy Fair, and her beautiful granddaughter, Rebecca Neil whom she adored so very much and had such a great bond between her and her Nana GG, Becca was her world as she was hers, also remain to celebrate her life. Her grandchildren-Megan Curtis, Kassie Smith, Rebecca Neil, Theresa Meyette, Chade, Sarah, and Crystal, Issac, Harmony, Ethan, Wyette, Maylee, Meara, Katherine, Kaleb, John, – and great-grandchildren, Levi Galante, Cohen Curtis, Bailee Macomber, Weston Allen, and Alina Allen. Each carries a piece of Sheila’s gentle heart and generous soul. Sheila’s life was a testament to the power of care and empathy. For over a decade, she opened her home to run a share home for the elderly, providing them with love and dignity in their later years. Her journey of care extended as she worked with Sunapee Visiting Nurses in New London, NH, offering her support to the elderly, allowing them to remain independent in their homes-a mission she passionately believed in. Outside her professional life, Sheila found joy in the simple pleasures that life had to offer. She relished spending time with her family, embarking on shopping adventures, delighting in thrift store treasures, and savoring family outings and trips. Her family gatherings, rich with love and laughter, were her greatest joy, a testament to her role as the rock of her family. Sheila’s smile, which could light up any room, and her heart of gold made everyone she met feel loved and welcome. In this time of mourning, we extend our deepest gratitude to DHMC and Cancer in Lebanon, NH, and Elm Wood Center in Claremont, NH, for their unwavering support and care. We also wish to thank the wonderful caregivers, Brenda Chadbourne, Jenni Baker, and Rose Bolio from Ascentia Homecare Agency, who were by her side over the years and her friend and companion, Bob Woodbury, she adored and loved who stood by her to the end. Glad my mom found you, your part of our big family now, and her devoted daughter, Debra Neil, whose love and care never wavered. Sheila’s life was a journey of grace and love, and though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she now rests in peace, her angel wings earned. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, a life lived with immense love and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to organizations supporting cancer care, continuing Sheila’s legacy of giving. May Sheila Fay Smith’s memory be a blessing to us all.
Funeral services will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, on Thursday afternoon, June 25th with visiting hours from 1pm to 2pm and a service at 2pm. Burial will be held on Saturday morning, June 27th at 10am at Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont.
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