Merrily L. Smith

Merrily (Lydon) Smith, of Waltham, died at home on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 following a period of declining health.

Merrily was born in Boston on August 10, 1942, a daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Penney) Lydon.  As a lifelong member of the Waltham community, she generously served in various community organizations, contributing her talent, creativity and sense of adventure to enrich the lives of those around her.

After graduating from Waltham High School she attended Lasell College in Newton and worked as an administrative assistant at Carousel School in Waltham. She later held the same position for the Waltham Public Schools, first at Central Junior High, and later for many years at Waltham High School. Following her retirement, Merrily was a nanny for twins Lindley and Alex for 13 years, embracing them as her own and demonstrating the nurturing spirit that defined her life.

Merrily’s warm smile, calm demeanor, and ability to help in any situation earned her many friends among faculty and staff of the schools she worked at. She was beloved by the students who always knew they could count on her wisdom and experience for sound advice, and her profound impact on the school community was honored with two yearbook dedications - a rare tribute that reflected the lasting impression she made on countless young lives.

Being a mother was Merrily’s greatest joy and calling. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family, often serving as a mother figure to more than just her own children. Her nurturing extended to countless friends’ children who found in her a source of unconditional love and support. Merrily had an extraordinary way of making each person feel special and valued, always remembering the important moments in their lives with a thoughtfully chosen card for every occasion - birthdays, graduations, holidays, and achievements both big and small.

She was a joyful and social person by nature who treasured the constant company of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her many dear friends. Merrily never wanted to miss a moment and loved being at the heart of every celebration, party, and gathering - her presence bringing warmth and joy to any occasion. Each of her grandchildren held a uniquely special place in her heart, and she delighted in cultivating individual bonds with every one of them. Her quiet place where she sought peace, light, joy and refreshment was at Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, where she created cherished memories during summers on the Cape with family and friends.

Merrily was an amazing, strong woman who served as an inspiration to many throughout her life. She consistently put her family first while maintaining her generous spirit toward all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, support, and unwavering presence during both joyful celebrations and difficult times.

She leaves her children, Cynthia L. McCarthy (Richard) of Westwood, David F. Smith, Jr. (Doreen) of Greenwood Village, CO, Stephanie L. LeBlanc (Raymond) of Hopkinton and Jennifer L. Falcione (Brian) of Stoughton; her grandchildren, Merrily, Shane, Mary Kate, Kory, Michael, Jake, Kiera, Alana, Madilyn and Jillian; her step-grandchildren, Kevin and Stephen; her great-grandchildren, Millie and Liam; her sisters and brother, Sue Ellen Lydon-Daddona (Jack), Andrea Arnold (Robert) and Steven Lydon (Denise), all of Waltham; her former husband, Dave Smith and many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her sister, Penney Lydon.

Family and friends will honor and remember Merrily’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake on Wednesday, June 11th from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 12th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham. Burial will be private.