Janet Smith

Janet Susan DeRosier Smith, 81, joined the angels in the early morning of September 1 after a long illness. Her husband Mitchell was by her side. Jan was a cancer survivor of 16 years, and her positive attitude and radiant energy inspired everyone she knew. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Mitchell Smith, her sister Suzanne DeRosier of Arizona, sister-in-law Kim (Ken) Bayliss of California; she is also survived by nieces & nephews John Sturm; Jeannine (Chris) Leverenz; of California; Jim (Karen) Critchley; Tricia (Gerald) Alpeche; Sean Critchley; Meagan (Dave) Willard of Arizona; and 10 great nieces and grand nephews and one great grand nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents Logan & Susan DeRosier and her sister Helen (Jim) Critchley. Prior to retiring and moving to Taos, Jan was an elementary school teacher for 35 years in California. Jan was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos and the Auxiliary of Holy Cross Hospital. She sang in the Old Spanish Choir at the church, and she volunteered in the hospital gift shop and served on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. In 2017, she was honored as the Auxiliary’s Volunteer of the Year, and in 2019 she was honored as a Living Treasure of Taos County. Jan enthusiastically enjoyed many hobbies: cooking, quilting and rubber stamping cards for family and friends. Jan inspired everyone whose life she touched with her love, laughter and irrepressible joy. She felt compassion for friends and family and helped so many friends and relatives through difficult life experiences. She loved cats, dogs and horses. She loved her family and friends deeply and brought out the best in everyone she knew - teaching people to be brave and compassionate. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate that donations be made to Cancer Support Services (413 Sipapu St., Taos, NM 87571) or to Community Against Violence (945 Salazar Rd., Taos, NM 87571) A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com