CONTE

JACQUELINE SMITH

Age 74, of North Canton, Ohio, formerly of South Park, passed away peacefully, on Saturday evening, July 5, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of the late John (Jack) and Geraldine (Gerrie) Maracini Smith.

After her graduation from Marymount College for Women, Jackie held various jobs from a college director of admissions to a sales manager for the John S. Knight Center, but the work that brought the most meaning to her life was that of an addiction counselor. Jackie founded the HUGS House (Help Us Give Sobriety) to help alcohol and drug addicted women seek rehabilitation and get their lives back on track. Although the HUGS house eventually closed, she continued to work with both alcoholics and drug addicts as well as their families to support people seeking sobriety.

But above all else, Jackie's true calling was that of a mother. Jackie loved her boys more than anything in the world. She would go on about how much she loved them to anyone who would listen. She taught them how to love unconditionally and truly care for other people, but also to never mistake kindness for weakness.

Jackie was a beacon of light and love to anyone who came into contact with her. Her infectious laughter and warm spirit were able to uplift anyone, even in their darkest times. She was always a safe haven for anyone who needed help, guidance, or just a listening ear. And even when that courtesy was not always returned, she always gave the opportunity to forgive and forget.

She loved to host visitors and cook fabulous meals, or just to have friends and family drop by and make coffee and share whatever goodies she may have had on hand. She was the epitome of selflessness, always giving and offering to help where she could. She truly loved those that she was close to and was a wonderful example of compassion in the world. Her grace, kindness, and strength will be missed by all who knew her.

Jacqueline is survived by her two sons, Dominic Conte (Brooke) and Michael Conte (Guenna); grandson, Henrik Conte; cousins, Paul J. Gitnik and Peter J. Gitnik; niece, Beth Hamo; nephews, RJ Hamo (Tam) and Chip Hamo (Christine); and brother-in-law, Ron Hamo.

Jacqueline was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Smith Hamo; and her nephew, Mark Hamo.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." We are all praying for serenity at this time.

Friends will be received at HUMMEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, at 500 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304, on Sunday, July 13, from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. Jacqueline will be laid to rest on Monday, July 14, at Jefferson Memorial Park Inc., in the Maracini family private mausoleum.