Annette Smithson, 94, passed away peacefully Nov. 20, 2024, at Jersey Shore Care Center in Eatontown, surrounded by family.
She was born in Perth Amboy in 1930 to the late Willemma (Smith) and Russell Winters. She later moved to Belford 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. She worked various odd jobs along the way, including at Lairds Apple Jack Distillery, Lily Tulip, Midland Glass Factory, Hazlet Manor Nursing Home and, most notably, as the 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 seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Over the years, she and Richard hosted many fun summer barbecues and holidays for the whole family.
She enjoyed watching sports. She was a die-hard New York Mets fan and also enjoyed following the New York Giants. She loved dogs, especially her beloved Maltese, Buddy, and she never missed watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. She was always disappointed when the Maltese didn’t win!
Annette is survived by her son Richard P. Smithson Jr. and his wife Jo-Ann of Whiting, and her daughter Susan E. Karl and her husband Michael of Little Silver. She was predeceased by her daughter Sharon L. Pyle of Middletown.
Annette 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 was held Nov. 25 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service was held Nov. 26 at the funeral home. Burial followed the service at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the December 5 – 11, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
