Jamie Smith, a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend, WI after a sudden and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. At the age of 74, Jamie's journey touched countless lives and left behind a legacy of love and compassion.

Jamie was born on July 29, 1950, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Edward and Frances (née Gradisher) Blanar. She grew up in Norton, OH, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and a love of learning, graduating with a nearly perfect attendance record from Norton High School Class of 1968. Her passion for continued education and helping others led her to the University of Akron, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She went on to earn three more degrees, including an associate's degree from Marion Technical College and a bachelor's at The Ohio State University, and culminating in a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Akron.

Jamie's nursing career spanned decades, with most of her service dedicated to veterans as a nurse practitioner (NP) in family medicine at the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN. Her commitment to caring for others defined her career, leaving a lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike.

Jamie married Roger Stroup in 1973, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Julia and Andrea. In 1998, Jamie married Don Smith in Mansfield, OH. Their marriage was full of joy and adventure until Don's passing in 2011, shortly after their move to Port Washington, WI.

Jamie's life was filled with new experiences and connecting with people. After backpacking through Europe during college she continued to be a world traveler, delighting in recent trips to Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and beyond. In her home port, she joined the Port Washington Yacht Club and also served her community through service with the Lion's Club. A spirited competitor, she enthusiastically embraced pickleball, sharing laughs and forming closeknit groups with fellow players on and off the court. Jamie always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for garage sale treasures for herself and others. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her love for life unparalleled. She was gracious and kind. She met people as strangers and left as friends. She will be dearly missed by her Book Club, her Coffee Club, and at every Sundays' Family Dinner.

Jamie is survived by her partner Bill Daley, her daughters Julia (Justin) Behm, and Andrea (Tom Gingery) Stroup, her two stepchildren Devin Smith and Dr. Deirdre Amaro, her brother Tom (Carol) Blanar, and seven grandchildren: Curran, Anneke, Darrah, Estelle, Gwendolynn, Donovan, and Leif, many other beloved relatives and many, many treasured friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Frances, and her husband Don.

Jamie's Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI. A time of gathering will take place from 4 PM to 6 PM, with a Service at 6 PM by the Rev. Linda Westphal-Buth. After the service, there will be a time of sharing and fellowship at Engine Room 102 in Port Washington from 7-9 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to go to The Ohio State University College of Nursing Scholarship Fund

Fund number: 645280

https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/645280?fund=645280&Source_Code=AGAG-OTH-S-ON-PassionCause&recurring=false or the Port Washington WI Senior Center. https://www.portwashingtonwi.gov/departments/parks-recreation/senior-center/make-a-difference

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Smith family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com