Edith L. Smith Obituary

Edith L. Smith, 94, of West Warwick passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at her home. She was the wife of the late Robert V. Smith, Sr.
She was born in Providence, R.I. on August 22, 1925, a daughter of the late Fred and Alice (Mitchell) Atherton.
Edith was a licensed practical nurse at Kent Hospital in Warwick for many years, but more importantly, she was the lifeline that all family members looked to for advise, guidance and loving support during all the tumultuous and difficult times that we all endure in our paths through life. Her role as mother, ‘Grammy’, and “GiGi” was well defined by how much she was needed by and loved by all of us whom were enriched by having her in our lives.
Her arrival at her husband’s side was most certainly met by the a sigh of relief and the words “For Christ’s sake Edie, what took you so long?!
She leaves three sons, Ronald Smith and wife, Aline of West Warwick, Louis Smith and wife, Meredith of Woonsocket, and Jay Smith and wife, Renee of Warwick; a daughter, Alice M. Cote and husband, Wayne of West Warwick; eight grandchildren, Dawn Smith, Melissa Hughes, Jason Smith, Lisa Cote, Mindy Conway, Justin Smith, Rachel Smith, and Haley Smith; and nine great grandchildren. She was the grandmother of the late Wayne Cote, Jr. and was the sister of the late Malcom Atherton, Everett Atherton, Ethel Atherton, Evelyn Ferland, and Ashley Atherton.
A visitation to which relatives are invited to attend will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 10 to 11 am in the Potvin-Quinn Funeral Home, 45 Curson Street, West Warwick with a prayer service to follow at 11 am. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery on Fairview Avenue in Coventry. Face masks are requested and social distancing will be kindly observed.

Below is the text of the eulogy given by Lissa at Wednesday's prayer service in the funeral home chapel:

When I was asked to write a few things about GiGi for this service I was honored and humbled to do so. First I thought a few words about GiGi, that's impossible. I have so many things to say because she was simply amazing. I met GiGi when she was 84 years young. She was sharp, smart, creative, funny, lovable, and a joy to be around. She had a heart of gold. GiGi would literally give you the shirt off her back and go without so you could go with.
GiGi loved life! The simple things, she was an easy gal to please. Well most of the time as long as she agreed with you and if she didn't, she wasn't shy to tell you otherwise. GiGi's words were gold, nothing compared to her lectures, pep talks or advice over the ice cream watermelon slice she forever had on hand.
GiGi's compassion was given to everyone especially her number one in life. That number one in life was her family, her children, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
GiGi was the rock of the family. The glue to the missing puzzle piece that kept the family together, celebrating and always keeping us on our toes. GiGi's favorite times in her life were her phone calls where she would call us all on our birthdays and if we did not answer, she would leave us a message singing her heart out and ending with I love you. One of the many memories that I am blessed to have.
Christmas holiday baking cookies after cookies and more cookies. She made enough to fill the neighbor's freezers as well. She would always ask Alice how many bags they were up to and laugh and laugh.
GiGi had the best laugh but an even better come back with whatever she had to say whenever she wanted to say it. You never knew what GiGi was thinking until she just said it right out. She loved her neighbors in her apartment complex. Even playing bingo in the community room. So many lives she touched by simply being her kind, humbling self. Her presence was enough to make everyone smiles always.
GiGi loved scrabble, even til this day, I am convinced she studied the dictionary before prepping for her big games against family and friends. I do remember the first time I played scrabble with her, she smacked me in the back of the head, laughed, and said I stole her spot. If we played rummy, she would smack me then too every time she did not like the hand that I played. Finally, after ten years, I caught on and moved my seat from near her to across from her, but she still managed to reach me !! Every time !!
GiGi had a passion for nursing and genuine love for people. Her physical health declined, however she never let that stop her from living. Her strength and love of life helped guide her to her 94 years here on earth. She was grateful and thankful for the love, support, and care she received when she was not at her best health wise. She chose to never make it about her ever. She chose to let her great granddaughter, her two granddaughters, and her daughter, Alice care for her as she cared for all of you your entire lives.
So today, you can say farewell in sadness, but please let your sadness turn to joy and know that GiGi is free from pain and full of love rocking heaven with her husband, Robert up in paradise right where she always wanted to be ! Although it took many more years to get there, she did with dignity and grace. Remember the blessing she was and always will be to each and everyone of you.
I will end with this, when you think of Edith Smith, your mom, your gram, your grammy, your GiGi, think of how proud she is of all of you and never give up on all your memories and dreams because GiGi never gave up on making them all with you.
Her heart is at peace as she is in a place of rest. Yes, great heartache is here, but reminding yourself of the life she lived. Should bring a smile to your face and joy to your hearts. Rest in Peace, GiGi. I know I am forever grateful you came into my life and taught me what family, love, and laughter was all about. Rock heaven like you did on earth and you will be God's greatest blessing.
Just so you all know GiGi smacks were stronger and faster at 94 years young than at 84. The best ten years of my life spent with an amazing lady. I hope someday we all can be half the person that she was. Thank you for allowing me to speak here today. This will be a life long memory that I will never forget. Now let's all bring GiGi to her final destination so that she can be once again surrounded by her husband, Robert and her family !

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to use the online guestbook below to express their messages of sympathy and condolences and to also perhaps share their wonderful memories of GiGi as well. A video is also available below so that you may watch the prayer service that was held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 with the Rev. David Ricard, retired chaplain at the Kent Hospital, officiating. God bless you all...