Annie Smethurst

Annie “Nanna” Smethurst - June 26, 1934 - August 03, 2024

Annie was born in Salford, England in 1934 to Henry Goodier and Annie Kay Wells. She leaves behind 4 children, her first born son; Karen Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA; Chuck (Pam) Smethurst of Groton, MA; and Andrea (John) Brady of Ashburnham, MA. Annie is preceded in death by her loving husband Jack Smethurst of 58 years and her son-in-law Stephen Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA.

Annie also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Josh Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA; Christopher (Melanie) Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA; Brian Smethurst-Brady of Ashburnham, MA; Sarah (Tim) Robbins of Lunenburg, MA; Emily, Madeline, Jack, and Samuel Smethurst, all of Groton, MA; and the family of her first born son.

Last but not least, she leaves behind multiple great grandchildren including, Brayden and Jace Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA; Claire Hanrahan of Pittsburgh, PA, and Jack and Logan Jane Robbins of Lunenburg, MA.

Annie’s stubborn and fighting personality shined brightly beginning at a very young age - living through WWII, diphtheria, and breast cancer later in life. At just 19 years old she met Jack, the love of her life, at a dance hall in Manchester, England. In 1968, at the age of 34, Jack and Annie immigrated to America with children in tow to begin a new life. While raising children, she worked as a master seamstress at Asher pants for roughly 15 years until she earned the title of Nanna. 

In her golden years, she loved to go back to England, vacation to Pittsburgh, knit and crochet intricate patterns, and was a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America.

She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by the one’s she loved the most.

Calling hours will be held Saturday August 10th, 2024, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm, at Brandon Funeral Home on Wanoosnoc Road in Fitchburg, MA. An in-house funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or Shriners Childrens’ hospital.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.