Susan Jane Smith

Susan was born on December 17, 1952, the daughter of James Smith and Phyllis (Shattuck) Smith. Susan graduated from North Middlesex Regional High School in 1970 and from UMass Boston in 1974. After college, she worked in Boston and Connecticut before returning to Pepperell, where she got involved in local organizations and became a Town employee, serving in the Assessor’s Office for 33 years, from November 1977 until her retirement in 2011. She was an elected member of the Board of Assessors from 2012 until 2023.

Susan served as President of the Pepperell Historical Society for over 20 years and was instrumental in securing grants and donations. She was responsible for obtaining the Shattuck Street Schoolhouse for the Society and worked diligently on its restoration. Susan joined the Prudence Wright Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution in 2000, acting as regent from 2010-2013. She also held other Chapter offices including Vice Regent and Historian for several years. Susan served on the Seamstress Committee and took pride in sewing her own colonial clothing. She was the first female firefighter for the Town of Pepperell, serving on the Hook and Ladder from 1988-1992.

Susan’s many hobbies included sewing, crocheting, gardening, genealogy, enjoying her cats, traveling internationally to Iceland and England and domestically to New Orleans, where she was fascinated by its history.

She is predeceased by her parents James and Phyllis Smith, her brother Richard Smith, and her sister Sandra Smith. She is survived by her great-nephew Jeff Smart and his wife Kim, who shared their love and laughter with Susan until her passing; her nieces Carol Smart and Bonnie Wilbur; her many cousins including Jean Morse, Joy Vilasuso, Jack Lynde, Jan Colburn; her longtime friend and neighbor Cheri Pearson; her childhood friend Katie (Scullane) Tocci; and her beloved cat, Fred. Susan’s history and lifelong pursuits reflect her commitment to civic duty, her affection for history, her love of close friends and family, and her love of her hometown of Pepperell.

SMITH – Susan Jane, of Pepperell. September 30, 2023. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours in the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Saturday, October 14th from 11 am-1 pm. Graveside services and interment immediately following in Woodlawn Cemetery, Pepperell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pepperell Historical Society which was near and dear to her heart: Pepperell Historical Society, PO Box 573, Pepperell, MA 01463.