JONESBORO
Natalie E. Smith of Jonesboro passed away on July 5, 2018, at Courtland Living Center in Ellsworth. Born on Nov. 17, 1918, to Anna White Smith and Ozias Smith, she was a lifelong resident of Jonseboro. Natalie graduated from the Bangor Maine School of Commerce 1939. She worked for the Department of Human Services in Machias for 38 years, retiring in 1983.
Natalie was a hard-working woman, spending her free time taking care of her blueberry lands (raking into her 70s). She enjoyed traveling in her free time with family and friends (from the Jersey Shore in the 1950s to putting her feet in the Pacific at the age of 81).
She enjoyed telling tales of her childhood with her siblings and friends — of walking to school and back home for lunch. Playing in the barn and attending dances. Nannie said they never had a lot of money, but they always had a good time!
Nannie was an avid Red Sox fan and after a particularly bad game she was quoted as saying “I hired them and then I fired them.” She was known for her sense of humor, quick wit and singing a tune. She was a member of the Jonesboro Union Church and the church auxiliary. Natalie made many friends throughout her 99 years and will be greatly missed.
Natalie is survived by her daughter Jane and son-in-law Kenneth Varney of Bangor. Three grandchildren Teresa and her husband, Gary Blaschke, of Standish. Richard Varney of Dedham. Jennifer and her husband, Karl Liebermann, of Holliston, Mass. Four special great grandchildren Dylan Barnes, Anna Blaschke and Sophia and Max Liebermann.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Robert, Alice and Ellis. Natalie always looked forward to spending time with them and their families.
A special thank you to the staff of Courtland Living Center for taking great care of Nannie for the past nine years and making it feel like home to her. We know you’ll miss her as much as we will.
We’ll leave you with a final thought from Nannie: “It’s not the cough that carries you off, it’s the coffin they carry you off in.” We love you a “bushel and a peck” Nannie!
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Forrest Hill Cemetery in Jonesboro with Pastor David Gardner officiating. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth.