Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith, a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend, Wis., after a sudden and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. 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 (nee Gradisher) Blanar.

She grew up in Norton, Ohio, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and a love of learning, graduating with a nearly perfect attendance record from Norton High School with the 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 degree from The Ohio State University, and culminating in a master’s 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, Ind. 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, Ohio. Their marriage was full of joy and adventure until Don’s passing in 2011, shortly after their move to Port Washington, Wis.

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 served her community through service with the Lions Club.

A spirited competitor, she enthusiastically embraced pickleball, sharing laughs and forming close-knit 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 Sunday 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; seven grandchildren, Curran, Anneke, Darrah, Estelle, Gwendolynn, Donovan, and Leif, many other beloved relatives; and many, many treasured friends.

She was 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 Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, Wis. A time of gathering will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., with a service at 6 p.m. officiated 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 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Ohio State University College of Nursing Scholarship Fund, fund number 645280 — https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/645280?fund=645280&Source_Code=... — or the Port Washington, Wis., Senior Center, https://www.portwashingtonwi.gov/departments/parks-recreation/senior-cen....

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Smith family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.