CUSHING — Judith Campbell Smith, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on September 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Judith was born on July 27, 1935, at Knox Hospital in Rockland, to Leonard H. and Ruth Stevenson Campbell. She graduated from Rockland High School in 1953, where she was a cheerleader and played the trombone.

In her younger years, Judy worked at Newberry’s in Rockland. In 1952, she made a special appearance in National Geographic magazine when the Rockland Lobster Festival was featured. She was pictured dressed as a lobster—a fitting memory for a woman whose favorite food was lobster.

Judy married the love of her life, Gerald Smith, on September 2, 1961. Together, they built a life centered around their family and created a home filled with love, laughter, and memories. Judy devoted herself to being a wife and mother and took tremendous pride in her home, which was always spotless and beautifully cared for. She was also a devoted grandmother, helping care for her grandchildren while her children worked and creating special bonds and memories that will last for generations.

Judy found great joy in the simple pleasures of life and cherished her Maine roots. Some of her favorite memories included swimming at the breakwater, digging giant clams at Glen Cove with her father, camping trips with her family, and boating and fishing for cod. She loved stopping at islands along the way, turning every trip into an adventure.

She was also a wonderful cook. Her clam fritters were legendary, and her baked stuffed lobster was a family favorite. When her son Paul was out hauling lobster, the family knew exactly what it meant when Judy put out the lobster flag—she was ready for some lobster to come home.

Judy had an extraordinary love for animals. Over the years, her family included dogs, cats, birds, turkeys, raccoons, and even a very well-fed, one-legged seagull named Henry. Her animals were never simply pets; they were family.

Judy loved music and dancing, with Kenny Rogers, Tony Bennett, and k.d. lang among her favorites. She also loved bringing people together. What began in the 1960s as a small Fourth of July picnic with six friends grew into a beloved family tradition that continued for more than six decades, with the final celebration held in 2026. The gatherings eventually grew to as many as 100 people and became known for epic volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, wonderful food, laughter, and the joy of being together.

Although Judy was an only child, she treasured lifelong friendships. She was especially close to her beloved “Golden Girl” best friends, Erma Hendricks, Patricia Mayo, and Mary Stone, who predeceased her.

Judy is survived by her five children, Susan Davenport and her husband James, Jody-Ann McKee and her husband Randy, William Stambaugh and his wife Kim, Paul Smith and his wife Mary, and Cheryl Frye and her husband John. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jessica Bartholomew and her husband Chris, Stacia Stambaugh, Brandi Helstrom and her husband Jenner, Heather Prior and her husband Nate, Rachel Burns and her husband Jon, Nathan Stambaugh and his wife Darla, and Jill Choudhari and her husband John, as well as 11 great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy and pride to her life.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Leonard H. Campbell; her husband, Gerald Smith; and her grandchildren Shawn Winchenbach and James W. Davenport.

Judy’s life was rich with family, friendship, animals, music, good food, laughter, and countless Maine adventures.

She created traditions that will continue for generations and a home filled with love and memories that her family will carry with them always.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever be a part of the stories her family tells.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with the Smith family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.