Salem - Virginia Ann (Gina) Smith of Salem, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Salem Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Beverly, MA on July 10, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Virginia (Peters) Seward. Gina grew up in Salem and Wenham, attended St. James Grammar School in Salem and graduated from Beverly High School, Class of 1957.

Gina worked several years in area restaurants, including the Beef and Oyster House in Salem and Dill's Restaurant in Marblehead before embarking on a 40-year career as a nursing unit secretary at Salem Hospital where she took pride in her service and developed several life-long friendships.

In her retirement Gina enjoyed travel – often to the Florida Keys with her dear friends Faith and Ray. Her fondest memories though were reserved for "the trip of her lifetime" to Ireland and her heritage of which she was so proud.

To her neighbors, she was a fixture outdoors sitting in the sun, and always ready for conversation. To those she met, she was a delightful and gracious lady, quick with her wit and quicker still with words of appreciation or kindness.

Gina had many simple joys in life, but her greatest was time spent with her family. She was devoted and selfless in raising her sons, Jay and Jeff. Her open door and open heart welcomed many over the years. All were loved, fed, and cared for by Gina.

"Nana" adored and took great pride in her daughters-in-law, MaryBeth and Marnye and her grandchildren: Eric and his fiancée Lorraine Brancale of New York City, Abigail and her husband Logan Parker of Freeport, ME, Hannah and her partner Sean Evans of Kittery, ME, Noah of Salem, and Katie Ann and Grace Morgan of Elmhurst, IL.

Gina is also survived by her former husband John of Danvers, and her dear friend Cheryl, his wife, who lovingly cared for and supported Gina in her last years.

Jay, Jeff, and their families would like to extend a sincere thanks to Gina's Guardian Angel, Hidaya Dale whose care, compassion, and love served Mom in her last months and to Sue Bennett at Life Care Centers of the North Shore who set Mom on a carefully planned and safe trip home to Rosey, her beloved cat, one last time.

Nana was cherished by all. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love, and she will be deeply missed. "Eternal rest grant unto Virginia, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her."

Arrangements: Friends and family are invited to Gina's funeral mass on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1Margin Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Internment will take place at a later date. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit Murphy Funeral Home website.