By Max Mogensen,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Jan Smith, a diver who ran into difficulty while at Wilson Lake last Sunday, died late Friday evening at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Smith was well known as the co-owner of Mainely Scuba, a dive shop in Wilton.

Smith was diving with friends from the dive shop last Sunday in Wilson Lake when she ran into breathing problems.

According to Wilton police officer Bob Cole, Smith’s friend Aleece Kaulback tried to help Smith breath and inflate her life jacket, but was unsuccessful. Kaulback pulled Smith to the surface, but lost her grip while trying to get her into a boat.

Smith sank to the bottom of the lake and was underwater for about three minutes before she was found, pulled to the surface, and dragged onto the beach, said Cole.

Smith was taken to Central Maine Medical Center, where she remained in critical condition until she died late Friday.

She was born in Farmington and received her education in Wilton schools, graduating from Wilton Academy in 1966. She attended Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in Lewiston and graduated in 1969.

Smith worked as a nurse for many years, eventually becoming a clinical coordinator at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.

Smith was active in the community. She volunteered with Dirigo Girl’s State since 1997. She was an integral member of the Wilton Blueberry Festival Committee.

She worked relentlessly to raise money for the Jennifer Lowe Smith Scholarship Fund, in memory of her daughter who was killed in a motorcycle accident three years ago.

Smith was a member of the Farmington Emblem Club, as well as several local card-playing clubs. She was also a scout leader for several years.

Funeral services will be held for her on Wednesday at the Wiles Remembrance Center in Wilton. The Farmington Emblem Club will hold memorial services prior to the funeral.

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