Eleanore Smart of Keene, NH passed away at Covenant Living on September 27, 2026. She was 97.

Eleanore Louise Jacoby was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 31, 1929. Her parents had come to the US from Germany, and German was Eleanore’s first language. Eleanore retained a fondness for her hometown all her life, and had many wonderful stories of growing up in the German-speaking community of Pittsburgh during the Depression. She grew up in the Seventh-Day Adventist faith.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia Union College, where she studied biology and chemistry, with a view to entering medical school. But life intervened, and she ended up working in Washington, DC; first for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and then for the Department of Education, housed at that time in the Pentagon. She shared an apartment with her college friend Helen Auchenbach, and they had many adventures exploring the restaurants and cultural life of Washington. During the evening, Eleanore studied German Literature at the University of Maryland, where she completed a Master’s degree and work towards the PhD.

It was at the University of Maryland that she met Jim Smart. Competence in foreign languages was part of his PhD program, and they met in a German class. It was love at first sight! Eleanore and Jim married in 1960. They moved from Tacoma Park, MD to Chattanooga, Tennessee, before they finally settled in Keene, NH, when Jim took a position as history professor at Keene State College.

In the early years of the marriage Eleanore was a homemaker, taking care of their three children. She was a creative and active mother, and came up with craft projects and games for her children. She was a voracious reader, and she encouraged her children to develop reading habits, making frequent trips to the public library. In the summer, Eleanore would often round up the neighborhood kids for an afternoon at Swanzey Lake.

Eleanore then started managing the Credit Union at the NGM Insurance Company. She truly enjoyed the people she met there, and found fulfillment in her work helping people with their financial decisions.

Volunteer work was important to Eleanore. She helped put on a puppet theater at the Keene Public Library, was involved in PTA projects, and drove for the Red Cross. In the 1970s, Eleanore helped found a local food co-op. Eleanore and Jim were active in the social life of Keene State, and Eleanore was a proud member of AAUW (the American Association of University Women). Eleanore and Jim became members of the Keene Unitarian Church, and Eleanore served on the Church Board in different capacities, including as President. When the time for the church’s Green Sale came around, you would see her tying bows for the iconic berry bowls.

Eleanore was skilled in crafts and kitchen arts. She taught her children to sew, knit, and crochet. She was a wonderful cook, and famous for her pies (especially chocolate cream pie). Every year she canned produce; for several years she was a judge for the canned goods event at the Cheshire Fair. She was passionate about gardening, and spent many happy hours in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. After she retired from the Credit Union, Eleanore devoted herself to folk art painting. She also became a master quilter. Her hand-made placements, lap quilts, and potholders are treasured objects in the homes of her children and grandchildren. Eleanore loved board games and cards. She was an avid bridge player and played with her beloved bridge group until just a few months before her death.

Eleanore and Jim had a strong, loving marriage. They were a devoted couple, and as they grew older, their love only grew stronger. Visitors would often catch them holding hands. They shared this love with their children and grandchildren. Eleanore was always a strong presence in their lives, and as the children and grandchildren grew older, she became a friend, confidant and support to them.

Eleanore was predeceased by her mother, Katherine Jacoby (née Maier), her father, Albert Jacoby, her dear sister, Helen Postrech, and her nephews Gary Postrech, Kevin Postrech (Julie Barrett), and John Mansueto. She is survived by her beloved husband, James G. Smart; three children, Christopher Smart (Wendy), Angela (Annie) Smart (David Hilditch), Michael Smart (Elizabeth Baldwin); 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 12 nephews and nieces.

A memorial service is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in the memory of Eleanore.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.