Elizabeth “Jean” Merrihew Smith

Elizabeth Jean Merrihew Smith, born on April 14, 1931 in Tupper Lake, passed away on June 18, 2016 at the age of 85 at Adirondack Medical Center with her family by her side.
“Jean” was the first born daughter of Theodore Wilfred and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Barrett.  She grew up in Tupper Lake, then moved to Plattsburgh after getting married, where she began her family of eight children. 
Jean moved back to Tupper Lake after losing her husband in 1965 to raise her children. She was a hardworking, loving mother who always put her kids first.  She was a real people person, and would help anyone whenever she could.
Jean worked in many of the Park Street establishments over the years before branching out on her own with her beloved “Buttons & Bows” Shop.
Later in life Jean worked in the Foster Grandparent Program where she thrived for years, once again exemplifying her hard work and love for children.
Jean enjoyed reading, jig saw puzzles, and sewing in her spare time. Her hobbies often took her late into the night hours.
She was predeceased by her husband Fred P. Merrihew and daughter Patricia and second husband, Robert Smith.
She is survived by her sister Mary “Pat” LaMere; seven children and their spouses -James and Carolyn Merrihew, Susan and Michael Moore, Michael and Tina Merrihew, Theodore Merrihew and Melissa DeVit, John and Nancy Merrihew, Timothy and Carol Merrihew and Elizabeth Merrihew and Candide Valadares
She also leaves behind 14 amazing grandchildren; and nine beautiful great grandchildren.
Family and friends were invited to call on the Merrihew Family on Tuesday June 21 from 4p.m. to 7p.m. at Stuart Fortune Keough Funeral Home.
A Catholic service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Alphonsus Church today at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, June 22). The interment will follow the service at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Mercy Living Center and Adirondack Medical Center for their quality and compassionate care.