Mrs. Catherine D. Smith

Catherine D. Smith Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Catherine Dellea Smith passed away peacefully Saturday morning January 12, 2013. She is, was, and will always be the guiding light of our family and an optimistic faith-filled role model for us all. Catherine was born in Great Barrington, MA, September 9, 1924 and had a zest for life throughout her 88 years. She received a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts (1944), where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. After college she worked as a laboratory technician and researcher at the Universities of Connecticut and Maryland, as well as for the Dairymen's League in Syracuse, NY. For most of her adult working life Catherine was employed by the Cortland Memorial Hospital where she was a lab tech and Cytotechnologist. Catherine was an active member of St. Mary's Church, serving as a greeter, Parish Council member and trustee. Within the Cortland community she served on the Cortland Planning Board, at Cortland City Court, as an Election worker, Cancer Society Board member, RSVP volunteer, member of the League of Women Voters, and the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Society. Catherine was a life-long learner and enjoyed writing poetry, and especially playing bridge. Catherine is survived by her husband of 61 years, Donald B Smith. She is the mother of three children: Stephen M. Smith (Carla) – Little Falls, NY; Diane S. Chu (Donald) – Laurel, MD; and Sheila S. Morrell (Douglas) – Long Valley, NJ. She has 5 adoring grandchildren that she happily doted over: Andrew Smith (Jamie), Alessandra S. Miller (Ben), Philip Chu, Joan Chu and Judy Morrell. She is also survived by her brother, James Dellea (Pittsfield, MA) and sister, Joan DeKimpe (Claverack, NY). In addition, she has 12 nieces and nephews who will continue to carry on her loving memory. Calling hours will be held at Riccardi Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 15 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church on Wednesday, January 16 at 10:30am. Donations, in Catherine's memory, can be made to: The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, or St. Mary's School.

Mrs. Catherine D. Smith

September 9, 1924 - January 12, 2013