Jaclyn 'Jaci' Mary Lata

Groton, Vermont- Jaclyn (Jaci) Lata passed peacefully on June 7th 2025 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care after a short illness with her family by her side. Born in Nashua, NH to David Lata and Linda Smith, Jaci attended Plainfield elementary school and later graduated from Lebanon High school in 2008. Intelligent and motivated, Jaci was immediately accepted to Rhode Island College and graduated in 2012 with two BS. degrees encapsulating a four year double major in Biology and Chemistry.

Jaci’s athletic career spanned her entire scholastic period, with positions on the Lebanon varsity softball and basketball teams. Additionally, Jaci was thrust into the spotlight with her acceptance as a member of the Lebanon varsity soccer team during her sophomore season! During her time at Rhode Island College Jaci also played Division III softball while juggling her studies. Her sports didn’t end there, Jaci was a passionate fisherman, both in fresh and saltwater. She spent countless days on the beaches of Rhode Island fishing for stripers and blues, while enjoying the surf and catching a tan. She was adorned with the reputation of her abilities to catch a fish from only a mud puddle! Her tenacity and bold approach to life’s challenges forced her to succeed in all she did.

Aside from her successes Jaci was caring, thoughtful and kind. Her love for animals culminated with her volunteer work at various animal rescue centers and shelters throughout New England. Jaci was known for never saying no when faced with caring for abandoned or ill animals. She regularly kept foster animals until their adoption, with her favorite being kittens. Her favorite and most recent shelter she volunteered at was Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society in Orleans, Vermont.

Jaci was predeceased by her father David Lata in 2003, her paternal grandfather Richard Lata in 1985 and her maternal grandfather Raymond LeBlanc in 2024. She is survived by her mother, Linda Smith and her husband Nick Smith. Her brother, Jonathan Lata. Her uncle, Will Smith. Paternal grandmother Marlene Lata and Maternal grandmother Joyce Pelchat. Her aunts Joy LeBlanc, Susan Brum, Pamela Dadoly and Patricia Hug and numerous cousins. She is also survived by her boyfriend Frank Nedobity. There will be no calling hours. There will be a Celebration of Life on June 21st at the Fairlee Town Hall at 11:30 am.

In honor of Jaci’s commitment to saving injured and abandoned animals, financial contributions in her name can be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society- 473 Barton Orleans Road Orleans, VT 05860.