Amanda Smith

ROYALSTON- Amanda Smith, daughter of Daniel (stepfather) and Debra (Budano) Simmington of West Royalston, and Charles “Skeeter” Smith of Warwick, MA, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2016 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester, after a brief illness surrounded by her family. She was born at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, MA, and resided in Hull, MA, near Nantasket Beach until the age of four before moving to and growing up in Royalston, MA. Amanda is survived by her parents; her sister Jessica Smith and Travis and their daughter Kassidy of Athol; her three children: Ayden (10 yrs.), Lillian (7 yrs. April 1st) and their father Billy Ellis of Tully, and Haley (2 yrs.) and her father Cory Silva of Orange. Amanda was predeceased by her sister Amber Simmington in a tragic accident on September 13, 2013. She also leaves behind many aunts, great aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the states: Patrick and Karen, Kathy and Jim, Bobby, and Bernice on her mother’s side; Donna and Carl, Lynn and Charlie, Sue and Dennis, Jackie, Demity, and Betty on her father’s side; and Bill, Bob and Kitty and Larry and Cathey on her step father’s side; Many cousins- the children of these aunts and uncles. Her father Skeeter fondly recalls Amanda’s smiles and laughs and the way her eyes lit up when he took her to special places. He especially enjoyed her singing to him, ”Daddy’s Hands”. She walked her own path in this world with an adventurous, self-willed sprit. She loved her family, especially her three children and took great pride in Ayden’s athletic ability in little league baseball and football; Lilly’s sweet nature and great big hugs; and little Haley’s innocent charm. Her children were her world – first and foremost; teaching them, loving them, and taking them on day –trips to expand their awareness and imagination of the world around them. Amanda was out-going, enjoyed the music of today, talks with her sister Jess, time with her dad Skeeter, and midnight shopping on Black Fridays with Jess, Amber, and Mom. She also helped Dan and Mom with Amber’s scholarship meetings and car shows. She also enjoyed the early morning yard sales at her home with Jess, Amber, Mom and Dan; and holding cook-outs for family and friends. Her aunt Lynn recalls how helpful Amanda was to her and her family in Plymouth, MA when she went to visit. Amanda will be missed by all, as well as her co-workers at MBW in Orange, MA where she was an excellent employee for twelve years. She was a workaholic and a virtual ‘Girl-Friday’ who could be called upon to fill or assist in practically any position on a moments’ notice. Amanda loved helping people and always strived to be both an example and an encouragement to all who knew her, both on the job and in her personal life. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 11 AM in the Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol with Pastor Eric May of the Cornerstone Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Cemetery, Athol-Richmond Road in West Royalston. Following the burial a reception celebration of life will be held at the North Quabbin Bible Church on Rt. 32 on the way back into Athol. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 9 from 5-8PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that contributions be made to Debra Simmington (Amanda’s legal guardian and mother) which will be deposited into the children’s trust fund as soon as it’s set up. To send an online condolence please visit mackfamilyfh.com.