Janet Lillian Smith (née Doerr)

Janet Lillian Smith, a lifelong resident of Madeira, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home on January 21, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on January 13, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late William Frederick Doerr and Lillian Ethel Blankenship.

Janet graduated from Madeira High School in 1959, where she engaged in many activities, including field hockey, basketball, and serving as yearbook editor. She worked at General Electric as an Engineering Assistant. She attended Ohio University, and then the University of Cincinnati, earning a degree in accounting. Janet later worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a Certified Public Accountant.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Janet poured her heart into the people she loved. Few things brought her more joy than cheering on her grandchildren in whatever they chose to pursue.

Her faith was deeply felt. She found meaning in Christian devotion across many congregations, often drawn by music programs, fish fries, and fellowship.

Her life was rooted in generosity. She gave freely of both her time and resources and supported the arts passionately. She loved crafting, jewelry, and the thrill of discovering hidden treasures at garage sales — collecting not just beautiful things, but character, stories, and people along the way. In many ways, she was a collector of souls, adopting friends and folding them seamlessly into her family, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and food enough for everyone.

She carried a wonderfully dry sense of humor that produced endless laughs. Her social calendar was always full, reflecting the many dear friend groups she nurtured with care. When she gathered people together, she did so around a table: an incredible home cook who hosted celebrations year after year, creating traditions that will live on in memory and love.

She was spunky, sassy, and famously stubborn — qualities that carried her through immense challenges. A survivor of many health struggles, including two successful battles with cancer. She met each diagnosis with courage and resilience, becoming an enthusiastic member of her local cancer society. She was brave in every sense of the word: an adventurer who travelled the world, often with her family, even ziplining and whitewater rafting later in life.

She lived with open arms, an open heart, and an adventurous spirit. Her legacy is one of courage, generosity, laughter, and deep connection — and she will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

Janet is survived by her children, Robin Smith (husband Michael Bonnoitt), Christopher Smith (wife Carrie Smith), grandchildren Justin Smith (wife Asha Smith), Sean Bonnoitt, Ashley Bonnoitt, Cooper Smith, Jack Smith, and Mercer Smith.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, February 21st at 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:30, at Indian Hill Episcopal - Presbyterian Church (6000 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243). Internment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery (234 Center St, Loveland, OH 45140).

In lieu of flowers, Jan’s family invites you to honor her memory by doing what brought her immense joy: save your money to travel, make memories, and turn a stranger into a friend along the way.