Margaret Jane Smith, 86,
Devoted Mother, Active In Community
Margaret Jane Smith, 86, of Mountainside, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Born February 20, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William Woodbury Ford and Jane Elizabeth (Croyle) Ford, Peggy grew up in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, graduating from Shaler High School, Carnegie Institute of Technology (BFA) and the University of Michigan (MA). She later attained an MBA from Rutgers University Newark.
Peggy was a devoted mother and homemaker who pursued artistic endeavors in a variety of media. She was active in many community organizations and activities, including The Rake and Hoe Garden Club, Inc. of Westfield and the local chapter of Questers.
Peggy is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dean Leroy Smith, Jr., of Mountainside, N.J.; brother, Robert William Ford, MD (and wife Karen), of Allison Park, Pa.; son, Milton (and wife Diane), of Burlington, N.J.; daughter, Julia “Julie” (and husband Murray Thompson), and grandson, Ethan Thompson, of Colchester, Vt. Peggy will be buried in the Mount Royal Cemetery in Glenshaw, Pa., today, Thursday, May 8, 2025. A private virtual reception is being planned. Her Service of Remembrance will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in the Chapel of the Parish House of The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Avenue.
Arrangements are by Gray Funeral Directors of Westfield. Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s memory to the Watts Mountainside Community Foundation at www.wattsmountainside.org.
May 8, 2025
