Annette Smithson, 94, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024 at Jersey Shore Care Center in Eatontown, NJ surrounded by family.
She was born in Perth Amboy, NJ in 1930 to the late Willemma (Smith) and Russell Winters. She later moved to Belford, NJ where she attended Belford Elementary School and Leonardo High School. She was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her three brothers Arthur, William and Joseph Jensen.
She and her late husband Richard Sr. raised three children in Belford, NJ. She worked various odd jobs along the way including Lairds Apple Jack Distillery, Lily Tulip, Midland Glass Factory, Hazlet Manor Nursing Home and, most notably, cafeteria “lunch lady” at Middletown North High School.
Her family was the most important part of her life. In addition to her three children, she had 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She and her husband Richard Sr. hosted many fun summer barbecues and holidays for the whole family over the years.
She enjoyed watching sports. She was a die-hard NY Mets fan and also enjoyed following the NY Giants. She loved dogs, especially our beloved Maltese “Buddy,” and she never missed watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. She was always disappointed when the Maltese didn’t win!
She is survived by her son Richard P. Smithson Jr. and his wife Jo-Ann of Whiting, NJ, and her daughter Susan E. Karl and her husband Michael of Little Silver, NJ. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Sharon L. Pyle of Middletown, NJ.
She was affectionately known as Mom Mom by her grandchildren, Richard III, James, David, Jill, Ryan, Christopher and Patrick as well as her great-grandchildren Lauren, Tyler, Joshua, Hope, Noel, Zachary, Addy, Annika, Aylin, Kaley, Mackenzie, Ariana, Caden, Caroline and Casey.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25th from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown, NJ.
