Rita Jane Smith

Jane Renfro (Giddings) Smith, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023. Jane was born to Curtis and Marjorie (Bidwell) Renfro at the Presidio in San Francisco, California on July 21, 1932. The daughter of a career U.S. Army officer, Jane lived in a variety of communities throughout her formative years, settling on Oahu, Hawaii to build a family with her college sweetheart and first husband, Don Giddings.

Jane played many roles over the span of her long and engaged adult life. Early on, she was a mother, homemaker, and wife of a military officer. Later, Jane supported Don through his career change from fighter pilot to ordained Episcopalian priest. After divorce, Jane became a single mom, graduate student (earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Hawaii), social worker, trust officer, bank vice president, and founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawai'i Community Foundation.

In retirement, Jane continued to care about social and community issues, serving in a variety of volunteer roles in Eugene, Oregon, the community that she and Jerry Smith, her husband of 40 years, adopted as their new home after Jane’s 50 years in Hawaii. Jane also continued to deepen her connection and understanding of her faith through study, prayer, and participation with her church and interfaith discussion group.

Jane was preceded in death by her daughter Dana June Giddings, and her sisters Jo Ann and Mary June. Jane is survived by her husband Jerry, sons Michael (Cheryl) Giddings and James (Laura) Giddings, grandson Elan Giddings, stepson Bret (Jacqueline) Smith, stepdaughter Dawn Reis, nieces Ann Hawelu, Lynn Corbett, and Marjorie Moeck, nephew John Cline, and many dear friends.

A service and celebration of life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 3925 Hilyard St., Eugene, OR 97405 at 10:00 AM on July 22, 2023. For those inclined, donations may be made in Jane’s name to the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection or the Women’s Fund of Hawai'i (womensfundhawaii.org).