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Those who knew Smokler personally often described her exactly as readers imagined her to be — funny, brilliant, generous, and completely genuine.
Her brother, Matt Epstein, captured that spirit simply:
“She taught me that being authentic mattered more than being right,” he told Today.
Perhaps no quote reflects Smokler’s humanity more than her own answer when asked what she would change about herself.
“The inability to just be content. I wish I had the ability to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride, or even enjoy the quiet, instead of always waiting for the next stage.”
Today, the community she created continues to thrive, carrying forward the honesty, compassion, and humor that defined her life.
Jill Smokler / Instagram
Scary Mommy paid tribute to its founder by noting that because of Smokler’s vision, “everyone here can still feel validated, understood and seen as they do one of the hardest things you can do: parent.”
Jill Smokler is survived by her three children, Lily, Ben, and Evan, as well as her parents, brother, extended family, and countless friends whose lives she touched through her work and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations in her memory be made to the Brain Tumor Network.
The community she built remains a testament to her enduring impact. For millions of mothers who found comfort, laughter, and understanding in her words, Jill Smokler’s legacy will live on — not only through Scary Mommy, but through every parent who feels a little less alone because she dared to tell the truth.