SACO – Margaret “Peg” Smith, a former assistant treasurer for the town of Old Orchard Beach, who had a passion for life and was well-respected in the community, died Saturday. She was 79.

Mrs. Smith worked for the town of Old Orchard Beach for 32 years. She began her career in 1980 in the finance office, where served as assistant treasurer. For the past five years, she was an administrative assistant in the town’s recreation department. She was laid off in July.

Mrs. Smith was remembered by town officials on Tuesday as dedicated and reliable employee, who “served the community well.”

About 13 months ago, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. For the most part, she kept her illness private and continued to work until she lost her job.

“She was very well known by everyone,” said V. Louise Reid, the assistant town manager. “We are very saddened to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this difficult time.”

Terry Nagle, a close friend who works for the town, said Smith was a fun, thoughtful and generous person, who always thought of others first.

“You can’t say enough good things about her,” Nagle said. “She took me under her wing. She was always there for me. I’ll miss having her in my life.”

Mrs. Smith was a longtime resident of Old Orchard Beach.

She was a loving wife to Robert Smith, her husband for 60 years.

From 1953 to 1963, Mrs. Smith worked in the family-owned Smith’s Hardware store on Old Orchard Street. From 1963 to 1973, the Smiths operated the former Old Orchard House on Old Orchard Street.

Mrs. Smith was a longtime member of St. Margaret’s Church and Good Shepherd Parish. She had a passion for flowers, gardening and traveling. She was also known for her chocolate chip cookies, which she often gave away.

“She was always doing good things for people,” said her son, Chris Smith, of Provincetown, Mass. “Everyone wanted her cookies at Christmas. If you got a little tin of them, you were lucky.”

Smith described his mother Tuesday as a fun-loving woman, who loved to laugh and live life to its fullest.

“She was an amazing mother,” he said. “She was really good to all our friends. They loved to visit ’cause my mother was so much fun to spend time with. Everyone in town liked her.”

About 13 months ago, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She worked throughout her illness and kept a positive attitude, the family said.

“She really fought it hard,” her son said. “She was in a lot of pain, but she never complained. She was very tough very stoic. She was the most wonderful person.”

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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