Obituary of Ethel W. Smith

Voorheesville - Ethel Smith, long time resident of Voorheesville entered eternal life on Friday, September 9, 2016 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born on Federal Hill in Delhi, NYS on January 12, 1918 to the late Joseph and Susan Whittaker. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward R. Smith. They were married over 39 years. She received a certificate from Delhi Ag and Tech and Albany School of Business.  Ethel was employed for several law firms and after taking time to raise her two girls, she returned to work at Voorheesville High School as a Secretary in the main office for over 18 years. She embraced the students and loved her work at school. She gave of her time as an active leader to various community organizations.  Ethel was a charter member of the Voorheesville Fire Dept. ladies auxiliary since 1951, She served as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. She was instrumental in the organization of the Voorheesville Ambulance Service. Ethel volunteered at the Albany Medical Center South Clinical Clinical Campus Gift Shop for over 25 years. Ethel was honored in September 2008 as the Ladies Aux. Albany County Volunteer Fireman's Association Woman of the Year. In May 1998 she received the President's award for Lifetime Achievement from the Greater Capital Region Business and Professional Woman's Club. She was a communicant at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Delmar, NY for than 55 years.  Ethel volunteered as a member and officer of the Woman's and Alter Guilds.  Ethel received an award for gratitude for 50+ years serving the Lord at his holy table. Survivors include her daughters Kathi M. Matheson of North Carolina and Susan J Smith of Rensselaer; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Diamantatos, Jennifer Matheson and Douglas Matheson, Dena Peckham, Bruce Hankle; great-grandchildren, Corrin Broussard and Peter Broussard, and Mathew and Rachel Peckham.  Survived by a brother Joseph (Elaine) Whittaker and predeceased by Albert (Margaret) Whittaker and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Fred, Penny and Nancy Trinkaus and caregivers Michelle Beaulieu, Mary Sofia. Also to her dear friends Diane Williams and Jackie Schlappi and Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 o’clock Tuesday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville and at 10:00 o’clock at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 16 Elsmere Ave., Delmar. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 - 7 p.m. in the funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Voorheesville Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Aux. or St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Delmar, NY.