Obituary of Betty Smith

Betty “Buffi" Christie Smith died peacefully, yet unexpectedly on the morning of January 12, 2021 at the age of 80. Buffi was born on December 20, 1940 in Quincy MA to Donald and Betty Christie. She was raised in North Quincy and graduated from North Quincy HS in 1958. She went on to graduate from the Mass General Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation she accepted a position working with a surgeon at Mass General Hospital. While living on Beacon Street in Boston, she met many lifelong friends and the love of her life, the late and Honorable Peter W. Smith. In 1962 they were married and relocated to New Hampshire where they raised three daughters. Buffi worked for her colleague and friend, David E. Bishop M.D. in his office on Cottage Street, in Littleton. Over the next 29 years you knew when greeted by her sparkling eyes and warm smile you were in the right place and that everything would be ok. With tireless energy she cared for her family, friends, and community. She could be found teaching catechism, hosting Bethlehem Elementary School Christmas tree gatherings, working as a girl scout leader, or painting the Bethlehem Pool. You name it, she would help. It was clear to see that she put her heart and soul in all that she did. Buffi was also an accomplished artist. She studied painting under Ralph Stone Jacobs. Her paintings were shown at the Wren Art Gallery in Bethlehem. Many years earlier, she used her artistic nature while studying under Chef Noel Lacan at the Weathervane where she quickly earned his trust as a sous chef. Buffi was a wonderful Mother and Gigi to all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Buffi was very proud of their accomplishments, many of them following in her footsteps. Buffi is survived by her sister, Nancy Lindgren of Reading, MA, Sister-in-law, Esther C. McLellan of Sharon, MA, and children, Jennifer Henry (Husband George) of Monkton, VT, Leslie Grima (Husband Frank) of Franconia, NH and Allyson G. Smith of Essex, VT. Grandchildren, Christie Gordon (Husband Chad), McKenzie Santolucito (Husband David), Angela Henry, Peter Henry, and Nicholas Henry. Great Grand Children, Sean Santolucito, Braylynn Grima, Lorelai Santolucito, Bryce Gordon, and Wyatt Gordon, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, The Honorable Peter W. Smith. Many of her friends quickly became and remained part of our family. Buffi will be missed by many. Due to current circumstances, a memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions in Buffi’s name may be made to the Above the Notch Humane Society, P.O. Box 98, Franconia, NH 03580