Virginia Ann (Gina) Smith

Virginia Ann (Gina) Smith of Salem, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Salem Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Beverly, MA on July 10, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Virginia (Peters) Seward. Gina grew up in Salem and Wenham. She attended St. James Grammar School in Salem and graduated from Beverly High School, Class of 1957.

Gina worked for several years in area restaurants, including the Beef and Oyster House in Salem and Dill’s Restaurant in Marblehead before embarking on a 40-year career as a nursing unit secretary at Salem Hospital where her diligence and personable nature earned her much respect and several life-long friendships. Her final work years were spent in service at The Bertram House in Salem.

In her retirement Gina enjoyed travel – often to the Florida Keys with her dear friends Faith and Ray. Her fondest memories though were reserved for “the trip of her lifetime” to Ireland and her heritage of which she was so proud.

To her neighbors, she was a fixture outdoors in the sun, and always ready for conversation. To those she met, she was a delightful and gracious lady, quick with her wit and quicker still with words of appreciation for any kindness, service, or encounter she may have enjoyed with you.

Gina had many simple joys in life, but her greatest was time spent with her family. She was devoted and selfless in raising her sons, Jay and Jeff. Her open door and open heart welcomed many over the years, some invited and some who followed us home. All were loved, fed, and cared for by Gina.

Nana adored her daughters-in-law, MaryBeth and Marnye and her grandchildren: Eric and his fiancée Lorraine Brancale of New York City, Abigail and her husband Logan Parker of Freeport, ME, Hannah and her partner Sean Evans of Kittery, ME, Noah of Salem, and Katie Ann and Grace Morgan of Elmhurst, IL, upon whom she lavished love, praise, and support.

Gina is survived by her former husband John and her very good friend Cheryl, his wife, of Danvers, who lovingly cared for and supported Gina in her last years.

Jay, Jeff, and their families would like to extend a sincere thanks to Gina’s Guardian Angel, Hidaya Dale whose care, compassion, and love served Mom in her last months and to Sue Bennett at Life Care Centers of the North Shore who set Mom on a carefully planned and safe trip home to Rosey, her beloved cat, one last time.

Nana was cherished by all. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love, and she will be deeply missed. “Eternal rest grant unto Virginia, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.”

A Funeral Mass for Gina will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:00am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin Street, Peabody, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be held privately. For more information and online guestbook, please call Murphy Funeral Home at 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.