Lillian B. "Lil" Smith, of Enfield, Connecticut, passed away on April 5, 2023 at the age of 89. She was born on January 14, 1934 in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Napoleon and Laura (Bolduc) Bernier. From a young age Lil enjoyed being active. She was a high school cheerleader and was on the diving team at Wilby High School in Waterbury. Following high school, she attended Secretarial School. She was employed by Pratt & Whitney and later left that position to become a devoted mother and raise her children. Upon her return to employment, she thrived in the corporate workforce, holding many positions and ended her career retiring as an Executive Secretary for Konica.
She always managed to find time to play shortstop on her company's softball team, a position she played with gusto. She loved to travel – whether it be camping or on a luxury cruise. She enjoyed her bicycle, gardening, and birdwatching. She had a deep attraction and love of the ocean and enjoyed spending many summers basking in the sun on the bow of their boat. She filled her yard with many flower beds, and bird feeders, bringing endless joy to her family and visitors that came to her home. She was skilled in many forms of needlework, a craft she perfected while attending a Catholic orphanage as a child. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who always went above, and beyond to give her family a wonderful home. She generously supported various animal shelters and always had a resident cat, whether it be domestic or feral. While raising her family, she encouraged and assisted in raising countless critters. She nurtured any animal, bird, or reptile that found its way to her open door. Her heart was always giving one hundred percent.
She leaves behind her constant companion Tig, her Siamese cat, her beloved husband, and the love of her life, James J. Smith, Jr. They were married May 22, 1954 and were still very much in love after 69 years. In addition to her husband, Lil is survived by her children Lynell Theofiles of Newberry Springs, California, Michael J. Smith, and his companion Mary Lheureux of Enfield, Kate Osowski and her husband John of Corinth, Vermont, her grandchildren, Jennifer Harris, and her companion, Jason Frazier of Keene, New Hampshire, Daniel Card, and his wife Megan of Somers, her great grandsons, Landon James and Finn Daniel Card of Somers. She also leaves her brother Lucien (Evelyn) Bernier of Seymour. She was predeceased by her sisters, Margerie Boyle, Jeanette Collins, and brothers, Roland (Gloria) Bernier, and Robert (Dorothy) Bernier. Services will be private at Lil‘s request and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences. please visit www.Leetestevens.com.