Nicole B. Smith

Nicole Bernier Smith, 78, of Center Barnstead, passed peacefully on January 14 at the home of her daughter, where she resided the past 2 months to complete her journey with cancer. Born March, 23 1931 in Paris, France to Marcel and Marcelle Bernier, she grew up during the German invasion of Paris during WWII. After the war, and soon after the death of her mother, she and her 2 youngest siblings sought a better life by moving to Newark, Delaware to live with their aunt and uncle. She learned English and graduated from Newark High School, then attended 2 years at University of Delaware. After college, she worked at Hercules Chemical in Wilmington, Delaware, where she saw a man driving a red convertible. His name was William T. Smith. He became the love of her life, and within a few years, she married him. They cherished almost 50 years together before his passing in 2002. During their life, Bill's job at Hercules took them all over the U.S. and Canada as he advanced through the ranks. After Bill retired they settled in New Hampshire to be closer to Nicole's family. Her interests include antiquing, raising exotic birds, horticulture and her beloved Maltese dogs. Her happiest days were when she had a full household where she could entertain and serve her delicious French cuisine dishes. Nicole is survived by one daughter, Danielle Smith, of Hooksett, who took care of her during her illness; two "adopted" daughters, Jeanne Gagnon and Mary Leavey; one son, J. Eric and his wife, Juli, of Sandy, Oregon; one sister, Jacqueline Bernier of Paris, France; one brother, Marcel Bernier and his wife, Mary Ann, of Stratford, Ct; two nieces, Noelle and her husband Steve Avakian, and Tara and her husband Jon Burchfield; and three nephews, John, Rick and Doug French. She was predeceased by her beloved "Sweet William", her sister Micheline French, and her brother Jacques Bernier. A memorial gathering will take place at The Cremation Society Of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover Street in Manchester on January 28 at 6:00p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at 7:00p.m.