Margaret Smith Chin

PORTLAND – Margaret Elisabeth (Smith) Chin passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 14, 2025.

Born to Mary “Mae” Rita (Dionne) Smith and L. Aubrey Smith in Waterville in 1952 as the fifth of 10 children. She graduated from Winslow High School where her accomplishments included Head Cheerleader, National Honor Society, and voted Most School Spirit by her classmates. She went on to college where she studied at Lesley College, Queen’s College of Canada, and graduated from University of Maine.

Her thoughtful cards were always timely, and the knitted hats, mittens and scarves made with love. As the very extended family grew they were assured to receive a warm card and even warmer hat for the new baby. She always looked forward to her family trips for ice cream (Butter Pecan was her favorite). However, what people will recall most about Mom was her sweet, gentle nature and kindness.

Her fight with cancer over the past couple of years has been nothing short of heroic and her spirit inspiring. It may have been complications of cancer that took her body, but it was the long term struggle with Schizoaffective Disorder that shaped her adult life. With her husband by her side, they didn’t let this define who she was as she enjoyed a full life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, Daughter, aunt, sibling and friend.

The stigma of mental health was ever present and through her we hope others gained a better understanding and comfort with this disease. Please consider donating, volunteering and/or educating yourselves and others of mental health. Visit Nami.org for more information.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was predeceased by her brother, Michael; and daughter-in-law, Terri Lynne Chin.

Margaret lived for her family and is survived by her husband, Thomas, who have been together since 1972 and married in June of 1976; as well as two sons and four grandchildren, Kevin and partner Melissa van Wijk (Tommy) and Kenneth and wife Kimberly (Teddy, Charlie and Elizabeth); and eight surviving siblings, Robert (Anne), Judy Daviau (John), Anne Sinclair (David), sister-in-law, Nancy, John, Peter, Jim (Daigo Fujiwara), Joseph, David (Alicia).

The family would like to give their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals in Mom’s life.