Davena Dart Szmyt passed away on Saturday August 17 2024.

She is survived by her husband Henry Szmyt, sons Paul LeBrun, Steven Szmyt and Christopher Szmyt. Grandchildren Sydney Szmyt, Brianna LeBrun, Samantha Szmyt and Connor Szmyt. She also left her niece Joan McVey and her son Shawn, as well as numerous cousins and a vast amount of friends and colleagues.

She was born November 18, 1939 in Brockton Mass to David and Lorena Dart. Graduated Brockton High School and went to college at Brigham School of nursing graduating in 1959.

Her professional life as a nurse began thereafter. Throughout her career she achieved many milestone and accolades. ER nurse in Los Angelis, nurse in the operating room at The Brigham Memorial Hospital in Boston, where she assisted in the first kidney transplant in the country. The only nurse ever awarded a Harvard Chair for setting up the doctor in training program at The Boston City Hospital. Rose to the position of assistant director of nursing at Hunt Hospital in Danvers. Became a surgical nurse instructor at Lawrence General Hospital. After her "retirement" She setup up 2 of the early regional health centers, 1 in Wilmington MA and 1 in Plaistow. She then became partners with her mother in-law at Freedman Furs in Lawrence MA. It was during this time that she decided to take up flying small planes, inspired by her husband Henry having spent three years in the garage restoring a 1946 Stinson Voyager.

She returned to nursing once more doing a stint as regional supervisor for Easter Seals NH. Her final professional endeavor was to partner with her husband Henry to create Szmyt ET Hitch's, producing trailer hitches and the electrical wiring for heavy duty RV's. This business resulted from her love of travel, starting with slide on campers and culminating in a semi truck hauling 40' 5th wheel rv's . She became president of the national medium duty truck association for two terms. They traversed the country numerous times. She became interested in local politics in the 1970's. Serving as Selectwoman for the town of Plaistow, as well as serving on numerous committees. Her medical background and organizational skills served her well. As she served as town Civil Defense director she interacted with FEMA to create Plaistow's first disaster response protocol.

In 2004 the grandchildren started arriving. They became her prime focus and the lights of her life. She assisted in every aspect of their growth and development into the extraordinary people they are.

For her family, her most valuable role was that of the family hub. All family business, achievements and travails became her priority.
She brought her mom home to care for after a tragic car accident and later brought her to Florida to watch over her in her final years.

The Florida years were spent enjoying retirement and hosting family when they could visit. Always supportive, as Henry got more involved in the Fort Pierce Jazz Society, she naturally helped him in any way she could. She became a beloved member of the jazz community.

Her husband, sons and grandchildren will be forever grateful for her love and support. Being the number one cheerleader for our successes and chief consoler when we needed it most.

If you unable to attend in person , please join us on ZOOM:

Topic: Davena Szmyt Funeral Service
Time: Aug 24, 2024 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/75441312906?pwd=MRpZid6SLjARHdDob0XQp3DPRnsYbI.1

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