Diana L. "Dee" (Willet) Smithson, 64, passed away at home on Friday March 18th 2016, following a long struggle where she "Fought Like a Girl" against both Breast and Ovarian Cancer.
Dee was born November 21st in 1951 in Washington, DC the daughter of the late Ralph and Anna Willett. She is survived by her wife Jacqueline "Jackie" Cote and her son Jay Smithson and his wife Dr. Heather Glennon, as well as brothers, Pete, Greg, Steve, Rusty and Pat. Diana was predeceased by sisters Judy and Janet.
Dee is also survived by her constant, devoted, canine companion, Morgan and cats Magic and Trixie.
Dee enjoyed camping, gardening, bird watching and traveling. She had visited Aruba, Australia, Fiji and Hawaii just to name a few locations.
In her early years Diana enjoyed sewing and created the wedding gown for her sister Janet's wedding, as well as her own gown as Janet's Matron of Honor.
For many years, Dee was a highly respected and successful co-owner in a Cape Cod business.
She also spent several years as the loving primary care giver for her mother in law, Doris Cote.
Diana never liked being the focus of attention and this was evident right until the end, when she peacefully made her transition to Heaven.
The family thanks those at Community Nurse Home Care for their support and assistance during Diana's final journey on earth.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, with visitation from 9:30 - 10:30 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, P.O. Box 751 Fairhaven, MA 02719.