Josephine A. Smith

Josephine A. (Dopko) Smith, age 81, of Shickshinny, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born on November 8, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (Ziolkowski) Dopko. Josephine was a proud graduate of Plymouth High School, Class of 1962, and went on to work as a riveter at Bertels Can, where she self-proclaimed herself as the “Best Darn Riveter.”

Josephine had a creative spirit and found joy in painting ceramics, sewing, quilting, and embroidering. She had a deep appreciation for country music, especially the songs of John Denver, and for music of the 50’s and 60’s. She enjoyed dancing the jitterbug.  Josephine also held a special fondness for Native American culture, often surrounding herself with dreamcatchers. Above all, she cherished her role as a sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was the center of her world. She hosted Thanksgiving dinner for more than 40 years at her home.

She is survived by her loving children: Roy Smith and his wife Ruthie of West Nanticoke; Kevin Smith and his wife Denise of Bear Creek; Jesse Smith and his wife Doreen of Lake Silkworth; and Susan James and her husband Matthew of Bernville. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren: David, Desi, Brianna, Robert, Jesse, Josie, Summer, Spencer, Parker, Jonathan, LeeAnn, and Tommy; and great-grandchildren: Faith, TJ, Aurora, Hope, Jenna, Alivia, Ellie, Natalie, and Mikey. Josephine is further survived by her sister, Nancy Mentyka; her brother, Bob Dopko; her brother-in-law, Joseph Mentyka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Smith; her infant grandson, Zachary Smith; and her siblings: Frances Prevlosky, Bernadine Massaker, Joey, Ron, and Mark Dopko.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Piatt Funeral & Cremation, 6 Sunset Lake Rd., Hunlock Creek. Friends and family are invited to greet the family from 2:00 PM until the time of service.

Josephine will be remembered for her selflessness, her sense of humor, her creativity, and most of all, her unwavering love for her family.

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