Donna J. Smart

Donna J. Smart, age 73, of New Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in her home surrounded by her loving family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born September 22, 1951, in Lorain, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Laverne (Nevins) Konowal. Donna moved with her family to New Philadelphia in 1968, and graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1970. It was a difficult move leaving long-time friends behind and coming to a new community and school, but true to form, Donna adapted well. Following graduation, she was employed by Gray Drug, Rink’s Department Store and later operated her own home cleaning business. She worked hard all of her life. Donna married Richard A. Smart, who survives, on May 15, 1981; she was a devoted wife and proud mother and grandmother.

Donna liked to garden and care for the numerous flowers and plants surrounding her home. She spent many happy hours on her back porch watching the birds and squirrels at her feeders. Donna always dressed bright and colorfully, and was friendly, kind, talkative and nice. She especially enjoyed being a part of her grandchildren’s lives and was sometimes known as “Grandma Uber” (and, as far as driving goes, Donna certainly knew more gas pedal than brake). She also had a soft spot for dogs, which included Pepper and Kasper.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Richard; her children, Richele M. Smart and James W. (Abby) Smart, both of Dover; and her grandchildren, Taylor, Maddie, Rion, Olivia and Avery.

Honoring Donna’s wishes, she will be cremated, and the family will hold their own private time of remembrance.

Contributions in Donna’s memory may be made Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.