Monday, October 27, 2014

Jean Jacobs Smith

Belmont, NY - Jean Jacobs Smith born December 15, 1932, died peacefully on October 24th, with her family by her side, after a long struggle with lung disease. 

She grew up on a dairy farm in Belmont, New York and had a passion for the arts her entire life, beginning with playing in her father's swing orchestra as a teenager and studying painting with her twin sister, Joan Sailer.  She received her degree in Ceramics from Alfred University in 1954.  After living in Germany where she fell in love with cooking and travel, she moved to Miami, FL where she met her husband, Bill and started her family.  She went on to teach art for over 30 years at Winter Park Junior and Edgewater High Schools.  

Jean was a passionate teacher who continued to work with students of all ages after her retirement, and helped to rewrite the state's art curriculum.  She was devoted to her family and loved their time together at the beach and holidays.  She was active in her church, Redeemer Lutheran, where she played in the bell choir and co-designed its beautiful stained glass windows.  

She is survived by her son, Chris of Orlando (and wife, Irene), daughter, Deena of San Francisco (and partner, Andrea) her grandchildren, Kyle and Katie, two sisters, Audrey Filter of Amherst NH. and Susan Potter of Belmont; and extended family in FL, NH, NY & VA. She was predeceased by her husband, William D. Smith, her twin sister Joan and her parents Ruth and Yale Jacobs. 

Friends are invited to call at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont on Wednesday, October 29, from 12 noon to 2 pm. Her funeral will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home with Reverend Richard Hurd. Following the service Jean will be laid to rest in the Forest Hills Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3377 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, in honor of Jean Smith. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

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