A peaceful library setting honoring the memory of a cherished librarian.
The passing of Therese B. Smith at age 93 has left a profound void in the Anaheim community. A dedicated librarian and cherished family member, her legacy of love, community service, and commitment to literacy has touched many lives. Therese’s journey included a deep love for books, family, and volunteer work, making her an inspiration to all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor her memory, encouraging community members to reflect on her remarkable contributions.
The city of Anaheim, CA has lost a shining star with the passing of Therese B. Smith, who left this world peacefully at the age of 93 on March 11, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, and community member, Therese touched the lives of everyone she met.
Born on July 30, 1931 in Winthrop, MA, Therese was the cherished only daughter of William F. Collins and Bernadette (McDonald) Collins. Growing up in a vibrant family, she spent her formative years in diverse neighborhoods, including Winthrop, Everett, and Charlestown. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in Somerville, MA, in 1949, she stepped into the working world, where she managed frontier jobs in downtown Boston’s banking sector and as a telephone operator.
Therese reignited her professional journey later in life when she joined the Lynnfield Public Library in 1983 as a librarian. There, she dedicated her talents to nurturing the quest for knowledge until her retirement in 1996. The love she held for books and the joy of sharing this passion with others made her a beloved figure in the town’s cultural landscape.
In 1955, Therese married her soulmate, Warren A. Smith, embarking on a 63-year adventure filled with love and partnership. Together, they raised four wonderful children, instilling in them the values of compassion, hard work, and community spirit. Their home was always a warm haven, beloved for its renowned Sunday roast dinners—a tradition that brought the whole family together.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Therese served as a longtime parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption in Lynnfield and Immaculate Conception in Revere. Her dedication to her community extended beyond her family life; she was actively engaged in church activities and volunteered with various charitable organizations, particularly those advocating for disadvantaged children and servicemen. Her passion for giving back was matched only by her love for reading, crocheting, and gardening.
Therese leaves behind a family that adored her—her children: Therese “Te” Smith; Mark and Robin Smith; Richard Smith; Joseph Smith; alongside five grandchildren: Erin Anderson, Matthew Smith, Brian Smith, Maya Duarte, and Jake Smith, as well as her treasured great-grandchild, Thomas Warren Anderson. She was predeceased by her husband, Warren, in 2018, and her loss is felt deeply among her family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Therese’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church in Epping, NH. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10:00 AM until the start of the Mass, embracing the warmth that she shared with so many. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody, MA, with burial expected to commence around 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Therese’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause dear to her heart, embodying her lifelong commitment to family and community.
As the community remembers Therese B. Smith, they reflect on the impact she had on everyone’s lives, standing as a testament to a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and boundless generosity.
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