Jacqueline Smith-Coughlin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother Jacqueline Smith-Coughlin who passed peacefully in her sleep at age 90 on December 8, 2021.

Jackie was born August 6, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA to Florence (Ritson) and Gilbert Ponder Smith. Jackie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all. She was the eldest of 5 siblings and graduated from Evander Childs highschool in the Bronx. In 1950 she married Thomas Francis Coughlin and together they had three wonderful daughters and made their home in New Milford, CT. Jackie worked for the New Milford Public School system working her way up from librarian to various secretarial positions from East Street School to eventually doing payroll for New Milford School system. We cannot forget her sub coordinating that she held for many years calling her many friends and colleagues for jobs every morning. She loved this and awoke every morning between 3:30-4 to start her calls. When others learned that Jackie was our mother, we would always hear “Oh she’s your mother? We love her!” Jackie was a member of the MENSA society top 1% IQ for all of her adult life. For the past four and a half years Jackie resided at Village Crest Nursing Home in New Milford where she received the utmost care from all floors. Thank you to all who cared for her.

Left to honor her are daughters Barbara (Bill), Carol (Joey), four apple of her eye grandchildren Ali (Jerrod), Mike (Amanda), Katie & Joey, two great grandchildren whom she adored Emmett & Easton, lovely sister Linda Hoenscheid, brother Robert (Pat) Smith and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Kathleen, aka Taffy, former husband Tom Coughlin, sister Margie, brother G.W. Smith, brother in law Bob Hoenscheid and many beloved dogs and cats. Jackie had many pets during her lifetime. She was a firm believer in rescuing the many cats and dogs that she had. We are sure that she was enthusiastically greeted on the rainbow bridge.

There will be no calling hours and a celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Burial will be private with family.

In lieu of flowers, Jackie would have loved to have donations made to New Milford Animal Welfare 8 Dodd Rd. New Milford, CT 06776

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