ROCKPORT — Juanita L. Smith, 65, of Rockport, passed away at home in the arms of the love of her life on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 after a valiant fight against MS. 

Juanita was born on June 18, 1952 in Rockland, Maine to Sylvanus and Theresa Cross.

Juanita married her soul mate, Leon Smith Sr., in May of 1968. The couple settled in Lincolnville where they raised their two children, Laura and Leon Jr. 

Family and friends were Juanita’s passion and delight. Above all else, she was a devoted wife and loving mother. Juanita and Leon would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 4 of this year. Their marriage was such an example of true love and devotion.

She was very proud of her family. Juanita loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family was so important to her. Being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren was her joy, and she excelled at it. Her grandchildren will forever cherish the endless memories of camping, sleepovers, movie nights, messy crafts, dancing and singing loudly and the knowledge that she believed that they were each perfectly wonderful.

Juanita was known for her feisty, loud, good sense of humor and personality. She was an extremely hard worker and never gave up. Juanita loved spending time in the outdoors with her husband camping, bicycling, running, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Juanita was the owner and operator of Little Explorers Childcare, one of the first Accredited and Quality rated childcares in her area -- she poured herself into the lives of the children.

She was predeceased by her parents and her older brother, Sonny Cross, of Rockland.

Juanita is survived by her husband, Leon Smith Sr., of Rockport, her daughter Laura Greeley and her husband, Kevin, of Freedom, her son, Leon Smith, Jr., and his wife, Amy, of Lincolnville, her beloved grandchildren Brittany Black, Andrew Smith, Amanda Wadsworth, Rebecca Philbrook, Christopher Smith, Lincoln Greeley, and Hannah Greeley; also her great grandchildren Mason and Charlotte Wadsworth, Sadie Mae and Luke Philbrook, Piper Smith, and Cecelia Black, a very special niece Donna “Wee” Jameson who she referred to as her adopted daughter, her sisters Donna, Cheryl, Betty, and her brother Donald, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Juanita requested a private celebration of life for family and close friends. The family wishes to thank all those who cared so lovingly for her during her illness. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.