Janet L. Smith

Janet L. Smith, “Aunt Janet,” 94, went to be with her Lord on April 27, 2024, comforted by her friend, caretaker, and “Niece” Jennifer Harding Lovaglia. Aunt Janet was the anchor of her family, especially for her younger brother Tom.

Born in Binghamton on July 10, 1929, Janet graduated from Vestal High School, attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City for two years and later graduated from Binghamton University. She served as an administrative assistant for the law firm of Hinman, Howard and Kattell in Binghamton and later Binghamton University and Empire State College.

She was predeceased by her parents Louise (Cobb) and Harold Smith and brother Harlan Smith, several nieces and uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her brother Thomas and Sandra Smith of Dudley, Massachusetts, nephews Thomas Smith, Jr. and Suzanne of Delanson, New York, Steven and Maura Smith of Hanover, New Hampshire, Matthew Smith of Dudley, Massachusetts, niece Shannon and Ray Sullivan of Dudley, Massachusetts, and great nieces Molly and Maggie Sullivan, Lily Smith, great nephews, Jack, and Mick Sullivan, Sam, Henry, and Ian Smith, and cousins Louise Wagner, Phyllis Davern, Jackie Cobb, and Fred Cobb.

Devoutly religious, Janet was a lifelong member of the Park Terrace Heights Gospel Chapel where for more than seven decades she served as a secretary, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, organist, and pianist. She liked to read, travel, watch baseball, especially the New York Yankees, knit sweaters for charity, and receive news about her family’s adventures and exploits. Gentle and unassuming, Janet was a rock of Christian faith and good will.

The family is deeply indebted to Jenny Lovaglia (Tony), who for more than fifteen years served as Janet’s pal, advocate, caregiver, and sharer of laughs.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 3, at 1:00 p.m. at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St. Port Dickinson. Pastor Diane Prentice will officiate. A burial will follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park 3997 Vestal Road, Vestal. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 3 from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M.