“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”
-St. Francis of Assisi
On the morning of June 8th, 2026 Jean died peacefully in her apartment as a result of a stroke. She was loving and humorous through her final days. She was surrounded by the love of her family, music, and the compassionate care of her devoted caregivers. She was 97 years old.
Jean was born on September 22nd, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Frederick William Mitchell and Margaret Donaldson Stephen Mitchell. She had one brother, Ian Douglas Mitchell, who was two years older. The family moved to Parsons, Kansas where she and her brother eagerly embraced their music lessons until the family relocated again to Indianapolis.
Jean’s family attended The Episcopal Church of All Saints in Indianapolis where she met Phillip N. Smith. The two were married at All Saints on February 13th, 1955. Jean and Phil had five children: Kevin (1956) Craig (1958), Andrew (1960), Anne (1962), and Brandt (1963) Their faith was central to how they lived their lives and how they raised their children. She and Phil enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his death in 2010.
After Phil died, Jean continued her spiritual journey by becoming involved with the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, Indiana, and in 2014 she became a Providence Associate. Associates seek through prayer to be guided in their mission. Jean’s mission included, “to provide compassion, respect, and trust to very vulnerable people.” She succeeded in that mission.
In 1949, Jean pursued a two year pre-nursing program at Canterbury College in Danville, Indiana, and three years at St Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago from which she graduated in 1954 as an RN. Some of her early career positions included supervising nursing staff while working at IU Med Center, Methodist Hospital Hospice, and St. Vincent Hospice where she was brought on as the Family Outreach Referral Nurse. She implemented a bereavement follow-up program for families, and traveled to public speaking appearances to introduce the practice and philosophy of Hospice care.
Jean became interested in hospice care after reading Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ book “On Death and Dying,” which emphasized home care vs hospital care and urged that terminal patients should be involved in the decision-making of their end-of-life care. As a strong believer of hospice principles, Jean talked openly about her own death for years, and she died at home exactly the way she planned.
After a brief “retirement”, Jean went back to work in elder care at the Cambridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center where she was the Assistant Director of Nursing. She eventually returned to St. Vincent and took on a variety of roles, none more passionately than providing bedside care for hospice patients.
Jean enjoyed gardening, knitting, DIY projects, singing in the choir, dancing, and playing the piano at home and at church. She also enjoyed performing/singing in front of a crowd, and being surrounded by her family, especially the grandchildren. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her zest for life, and her passionate respect for all creatures.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Phillip N. Smith, her oldest son Kevin Smith, her son-in-law Mark Bonini, and her brother Ian Mitchell. She is survived by her children Craig Smith, Andrew Smith, Anne Bonini, and Brandt Smith, and by her daughters-in-law Mary Smith, Brenda Wolfersberger, Michelle Smith, and MaryStar Ely and her grandchildren, Sarah, Patrick, Emily, Olivia, Matthew, Juniper, Angus, Iris, Cici, Jacob, and by her great grandchildren, Paxton and Charleigh.
The family wishes to thank the exceptional care Jean received from her care-team, including the dedicated staff at Hooverwood, along with the committed A.R.N. Hospice team. A special thanks to Alma & Becky for providing unparalleled care to Jean & Phil for over 20 years.
Jean generously donated her body to the IU Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana. Those, like Jean, who decide to bequeath their bodies to the health sciences have made a significant contribution that benefits the quality of life and care for the living.
Service to be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at The Episcopal Church of All Saints, 1559 Central Avenue, Indianapolis 46202. Visitation with the family from 10:00am to 11:00 am. Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s name can be made to Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods or to the Miracle Place Community Center.
“My Lord, it is time to move on. Well then, may your will be done. O my Lord and my Spouse, the hour that I have longed for has come. It is time for us to meet one another.”
-St. Theresa of Avila
Sounds like a full life. Now I have a better understanding of why Brandt was so comfortable performing.
Beautifully written and so so precious to both of us.
She ‘raised us up’ all who knew her.
What a wonderful woman. I can see how you would be so proud to call her your mother.
What a great example of a life well lived! Holding you all in our hearts 💕
Aunt Jean’s smile was broad and infectious! Her laugh, just like Kevin’s, was unforgettable. Even though my Dad, Aunt Jean’s brother, played piano and guitar, etc. I am sad to say, I never got to hear my Aunt Jean, play piano! I love you, Aunt Jean and will miss you so. You are reunited with your first family and that makes me happy. With so much love, from the Pontious family – to the Smith Family.
Such a lovely tribute for such an incredible woman and penned by her children, who will long be living testaments to the life that Jean and Phil created for so many. What an honor and privilege it has been to be a part of your lives. I will forever be thankful to have been given such a priceless gift.
Jean’s smile and spirit were oh so welcoming and infectious. She exuded love whenever I saw her. Her love lives on in all who were privileged to know her.
Jean led with love, brought joy wherever she went, and brightened the lives of those around her. I was privileged to know her. She will be greatly missed by many. Rest now, Jean, in the loving arms of our Provident God. I am sure Phillip and Kevin welcomed you with open arms.
What a wonderful woman! Although not for a long time, I am so blessed to have known her at Miracle Place. I am sure she has found her just reward!
Such a sterling character and wonderful sense of. Humor. Vivacious. Her infectious laughter and clear leadership on crucial matters were gifts to Providence Associated and all who knew her.
Such a wise and faithful woman! We miss her, but trust her spirit lives on in all whom she loved.
Jean was my companion on my journey to becoming a Providence Associate. As such, my husband Joe and I got to spend many hours with her, sharing our faith and learning about each other’s families. Those were precious times and we were blessed by Jean’s loving spirit and deep convictions and faith. She was inspirational to us and we were blessed to know her. May she rest in eternal peace and happiness. ❤️🙏🏻
Before my mom became a mother, she told me a story I’ve never forgotten
She and my dad, Jean’s brother, were visiting when Kevin, Jean’s firstborn, came out of his room after his nap carrying his little blanket. My mom watched as Aunt Jean’s face lit up with pure joy. She smiled, opened her arms wide, and said, “Oh, come here, my sweet little dear!” Then she wrapped him in the biggest hug, pouring every ounce of love she had into that embrace.
My mom said she never forgot that moment. From that day on, she told herself, “That’s how I want to raise my children.”
Thank you, Aunt Jean, for showing my mother such a beautiful example of unconditional love. That one precious moment became part of the way she raised her four children, and we were all better for it.
Now I understand why my cousins grew up to be such happy, kind, loving, talented, and well-rounded people. They were blessed with a wonderful mother.
I love you all with all my heart. I will miss you, Aunt Jean. Please give my dad a hug from me.