Helen Louise (McLachlan) Smith, 79, of Oxford, and formerly of Newtown, died peacefully July 12 at her home, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Danbury, June 17, 1936, the daughter of Louise and George McLachlan.

Her family moved to Newtown in 1946, and she later returned after graduating from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston.

Raising her family, she spent a number of years as a stay-at-home mom, before starting her career. She worked in a variety of management roles at US Chutes, Newtown Center Package, and A. Krueger and Sons, while raising five children as a single parent. Ms Smith also served on the board of directors for the Newtown AFS, as well as volunteering for a number of other charitable organizations, including Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

Ms Smith was very active through her life, enjoying golf, tennis, walking, reading, and gardening. She also stayed busy with her friends “dining out,” and bridge groups.

During her youth, Ms Smith spent much time at her family’s home in Bermuda, and she continued to travel throughout her life. In addition to visiting much of the United States, she traveled internationally to many places, such as France, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Of all her activities and accomplishments, she will be most remembered as the most amazing mother to her children. She led by example, showing that making the “right choice” was not always easy. Compassionate, yet firm, she created a home that was interesting, challenging, and safe. Much laughter and many tears were shared, often within moments of each other. Her wonderful colonial farmhouse was full of activities. Holidays were always special, many times welcoming friends and guests to be part of her family. She was definitely the captain of “Helen and Crew,” as she referred to her family.

Her children and spouses, Bart Smith and Barbara Kershaw, Shap and Joanne Smith, Kari and Timothy Glen, Conrad and Laura Smith, and Hillary Smith; her seven grandchildren, Kyla, Conrad, Madison, Tyler, Grayson, Morgan, and Shane; her siblings Peter McLachlan, Malcolm McLachlan, and his wife Nancy, and Bonnie McLachlan; her sisters-in-law, Susan McLachlan and Maureen McLachlan; as well as many nieces and nephews survive Ms Smith. In addition to her parents, two brothers, George and Richard McLachlan, predeceased her.

Friends and family may call Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, July 17, at 10 am, at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Interment will follow at St Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook.