Jean Stephanie Smith's Obituary
Jean Stephanie Smith passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of July 14, 2025, at the age of 75. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tim; three wonderful children, Martin (Dani), Tara (Steve), and Marcus; four loving brothers, Anthony, Michael, Paddy, and Martin; and countless friends made throughout her life in Ireland, Florida, and Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Catherine “Kitty”, and her brother, Damien.
Jean was born on December 27, 1949, in Dublin, Ireland, to Martin and Kitty Carpenter. The second eldest of six children and the only girl, she was raised in the Portobello neighborhood of Dublin. As a young girl, she walked to school at Our Lady’s in Mount Harold’s Cross, often accompanied by her honorary “big sister.” She completed her Intermediate Certificate and took on many responsibilities at home, helping her mother with housework and ironing shirts for her father and brothers. After the early passing of her mother, Jean took on a nurturing role, helping her father care for her youngest brother for several years. She held a variety of jobs before finding a lasting place at Bowmaker Bank, where she made many lifelong friends. Jean also loved attending fancy dress dances with her friends at Mount Pleasant Tennis Club, cherishing those joyful moments.
In 1982, Jean met the love of her life, Tim, in a story that seemed straight out of a romantic comedy. Their relationship withstood the challenges of long-distance, involving frequent trips between Salt Lake City, Utah and Dublin, Ireland—thanks to the now-defunct Eastern Airlines and a trusty bank of payphones near Jean’s home. After their marriage, Jean and Tim traveled extensively throughout the world - a passion they later instilled in their children. Jean and Tim settled in Salt Lake City and welcomed their first child, Martin, in 1984. Soon after, the family moved to Florida, where Tara (1985) and Marcus (1986) were born. There, Jean built a close-knit community of friends who quickly felt like family. She especially enjoyed driveway happy hours with neighbors while watching the children play kickball in the street.
In 1993, the family relocated to Austell, Georgia, following Tim’s career. Jean continued to leave a lasting impression by nurturing a strong community while raising her children. She was a steadfast supporter, attending countless basketball games, plays, cross-country meets, soccer, and lacrosse matches. Beyond her own children, Jean’s home became a welcoming hub for neighborhood kids—where everyone was lovingly fed and cared for.
After her children left for college, Jean embraced the opportunity to travel with Tim to college football games, supporting one of the many neighborhood kids she treated as family. Each trip added a new, memorable story to her collection.
Jean’s warmth, generosity, and indomitable spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
The best way to honor Jean is with a donation to a cause that matters to you — no need for flowers, food, or gifts.
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