Donna Jean Smit

Dear Reader,

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of a devoted mother of five and a cherished grandmother of eleven – Donna Jean Smit (nee Foote). She moved through the world with remarkable grace, leaving behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and compassion that touched everyone who knew her. She passed peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Donna was born in Saint John on November 20, 1942, to Jean Clara Foote (Miner) and Donald Leister Foote. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers Dale, Gary and Terry Foote. She is survived by sisters, Ruby Anderson (John), Janice Cleveland, and Charlene Jordan (Ted).

She is loved by five children: Jill Smit, Julia Mawer (Doug), Jon Smit (Lydia), Jacquelyn Petersen, and Janika Smit (Mike Mahar), and 11 grandchildren: Emily and Sam Esmailion, Kalen (Brian) and Micah Mawer, Daniel, Sarah and Joyo Smit, Keesje and Kiley Petersen, Jaxon Smit, and Mikey Mahar.

As a gifted musician, she filled homes, halls, and hearts with her voice and music, playing the piano, organ, accordion, autoharp, harmonica, and her newly acquired nose whistle when the opportunity arose (thanks, Brian). Music was not simply something she did, it was how she connected, how she comforted, and how she celebrated life.

Her life’s work was rooted in service and care for others. For over twenty years, she guided visitors as a tour guide and shared the stories of Saint John and area as well as the local lore. For more than two decades she ran a beloved playschool business as Teacher Donna, nurturing young children with kindness, warmth, and imagination. Many remember her also for the laughter she brought as a performer and clown, delighting her audiences with her large shoes and invisible dog. Her volunteerism knew no bounds!

A woman of deep and abiding faith, she lived her beliefs openly and generously, sharing encouragement and hope with all who crossed her path. Her faith was reflected not only in her words, but in her unwavering compassion and joyful spirit.

She was also a published writer, expressing her insight and imagination through poetry, memoir, and fiction. Her writing, like her life, was thoughtful and brought enjoyment to many in her various writing groups and anyone who had the opportunity to experience it.

Above all, she was a friend to many and treasured each one deeply. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her laughter, her music, her stories, and her faith will continue to echo into the lives of those who love her.

She filled our hearts with joy, and her memory will remain a blessing always.

Many thanks to the staff of Saint John Regional Hospital, 3D South, who tirelessly cared for mom for the past three weeks.

With Warm Hearts,

The 5 Js.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (506-646-2424).  Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 31st, from 1-4 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Sunday, February 1st at 2:00 PM.  Interment Greenwood Cemetery will be held privately at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society and the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, Saint John Chapter.

The family has provided the opportunity for those unable to attend the funeral service to participate via livestream. To access the livestream please click on the link provided: 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b19ac542-ade4-46be-b18f-8fcc109f55f6

Please note that live streaming events may be interrupted due to loss of, or poor internet connection. Off-site services have an increased possibility of this and may affect both audio and visual of the livestream; these circumstances are beyond our control. All services are recorded, and therefore if this does occur, a recorded copy of the service will be uploaded once it is completed.