Margaret Jane (Ford) Smith

Margaret Jane Smith (nee Ford), of Mountainside, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2025. Peggy was born on February 20, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William Woodbury Ford and Jane Elizabeth Ford (nee Croyle). She is survived by her husband, Dean; an older brother, Robert William (and wife Karen) Ford, MD, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania; her children, Milton (and wife Diane) of Burlington, New Jersey, and Julia “Julie” (and husband Murray Thompson) of Colchester, Vermont; and grandson, Ethan Thompson. Peggy grew up in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was a 1957 graduate of Shaler High School, a 1961 graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology with a BFA in art education, and a 1962 graduate of University of Michigan with an MA in art. In 1986, she attained an MBA from Rutgers Newark.

Through a Presbyterian church group for graduate students in Ann Arbor, she met the love of her life, Dean L. Smith, Jr., whom she married on December 27, 1962, in Glenshaw. They spent over 62 years together, residing almost 60 years in Mountainside, New Jersey. Peggy was a devoted mother and homemaker, sewing clothes for her children and shuttling them to many activities. She was an exemplar of healthy living, and she was active in many community organizations and activities over the years. Peggy was physically active from her days as a majorette and swimming instructor to daily walks with her husband and exercising at home. She was active with Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Seeing Eye 4-H Puppy Project with her children. She also volunteered with 4-H and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was well read, and she coordinated the Springfield Library Great Books group for 10 years.

Peggy continuously pursued artistic endeavors in a variety of media. Most recently she was a master flower show judge and member of the Rake & Hoe Garden Club. She was also active with the local chapter of Questers. Peggy travelled extensively with her family to all 50 states, and, with her husband, around the world with Road Scholar. She kept in touch with family and friends near and far through annual Christmas letters and visits.

After four years of chemotherapy for colon cancer, Peggy lived out her final months at home, cared for by her husband and visiting nurses and aides. According to her wishes, Peggy will be laid to rest at the Mount Royal Cemetery, Glenshaw, PA, alongside her parents and maternal grandparents. On June 19, a memorial service will be held at the chapel in the Parish House of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey. The family is grateful to Gray Funeral Home of Westfield and Bock Funeral Home of Glenshaw for their assistance with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit GrayFuneralHomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Watts Mountainside Community Foundation at www.wattsmountainside.org.