Grief is not linear, and therefore we will see many people within our community grieving in their own ways. This is perfectly fine; this shows that Giana Elizabeth Marguerite Campbell Gray-Smith touched so many different people in so many different ways.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 16, 2023, Giana passed peacefully with her Loving husband, Zachary by her side. After a nearly 2-year battle with cancer, Giana is finally able to rest. For all that knew Giana, rest wasn’t a word she knew well. Over the past 20 years, Giana dedicated herself to her education, earning her bachelors at RI College and then her master’s from UMASS Boston, all the while holding down full-time jobs and still finding time to be there for each of her friends, family and care for her fur babies Logan, Milk, Buckley and Harvey Girl. Giana also lovingly took on the role as the primary caretaker for her loving Father, George Gray.
Giana received her BCBA which she proudly used to help so many, touching and changing the lives of young people that needed her most. During the pandemic, Giana decided to leave her career of 18 years to chase her dream of opening her own clinic. In the summer of 2020, she could not have been prouder to officially open Assent ABA to help families in need. She will be remembered for her huge heart, selflessness, her love of animals, and that beautiful smile and contagious laugh, among many, many other things.
Giana Gray-Smith is survived by her loving husband Zachary Smith, her doting father George P Gray, her younger brother George J. Gray, her brother Jeremy Campbell, sister-in-law Diane, and their daughters Alexis and Emma. She is also survived by her sister Heather Campbell and her son Gabrielle. Giana was preceded in death by her mother Karen Gray. Beyond her immediate family she will be missed by her Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and in-laws, as well as countless others, either related or not, that Giana passionately considered family.
In Giana’s own words: “There's no such thing as an ordinary day. Some people may disagree, but I think it's important to document your life (on Facebook or however you choose to) after you've gone, your loved ones can look back and still feel connected to you.” We ask that you shower social media with pictures and memories, tell stories to anyone who will listen and keep the connections going.