Veronica Marlene Smith

Veronica Marlene Smith, lovingly known as Ronnie, was born on November 23, 1951, in Orange, New Jersey. She gracefully departed this on April 16, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication that will forever echo in the hearts of those she touched.

From an early age, Ronnie exhibited a thirst for knowledge that would later serve her well in her remarkable career in nursing. She attended public schools in New Jersey and New York City before graduating with an RN nursing degree from Pace University/CUNY. Before embarking on her nursing journey, Ronnie held various secretarial positions. However, it was her calling to serve others that truly defined her life. During the trying times of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Veronica worked diligently as an on-duty registered nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City. This was where she not only applied her medical skills but also nurtured the spirits of those in her care with profound empathy and kindness. After her time in the hospital, Veronica continued to uplift others in nursing homes and later transitioned to a role as a Nurse Consultant for Physician/Patient Health Insurance claims in both New York City and Columbus, Ohio.

In addition to her nursing career, Veronica was a certified Reiki Master and a Hot Stone Massage Therapist, embodying her belief that wellness transcends the physical realm. She dedicated her life to helping others heal, offering both her professional expertise and her generous spirit.

Those who knew Veronica will forever cherish her distinctive, giggly, teehee laugh and her unwavering convictions that often sparked passionate discussions. Her strength of character was matched only by her warm heart; she lived by the belief that love is an action to be practiced and shared with everyone around her.

Veronica was the steadfast and true anchor for her immediate family and a loyal confidante to her friends. Her selflessness and affection defined her relationships; no one left her presence without feeling loved—each encounter punctuated by a meaningful hug.

She is survived by her beloved husband, James Smith; her sister, Paulette Quann; her brother, Renoldo Keith Jennings; and her loving stepsons, Christopher Lucien and Jamayne Smith. She proudly leaves behind her nieces Marlo Marron, Daya Marron, and Chelsea Quann; her great nieces and nephews, Dylan Wrobel, Summer Wrobel, Chento Marron, Luc Marron-Hieb, Sloane Quann, and Snow Wrobel; her cousins Michele Shay, Lynn Lewis, Fay Hackney, Lois Corrin, Dorothy Davis, Ben Davis, Linda Corrin, Michael Corrin, Mark Corrin, Georginia Crawley, Sarah Corrin, William Corrin, and Libby Quallo; her aunt, Peggy Crawley, and in-laws, Byron Quann, Wilma Smith, and Sharon Sledge. Additionally, she cherished her stepson’s children: ZoeLea Smith, Danielle Fernandez, Chris, Taylor, Veronica, and Ryan Lucien.

Though she was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Smack, and her father, Glen Wachtel, Veronica's spirit and enduring love remain alive in the countless lives she impacted throughout her journey. While our hearts ache with her absence, we take comfort in the memories of her compassion, generosity, and the indelible mark she left on our souls. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to embrace love in both words and actions, just as she did so effortlessly.

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