Obituary of Elizabeth K. Smith

Elizabeth “Betty” Smith, 93, of North West Street, Homer, NY, passed away May 15, 2016, at Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born in Truxton on January 29, 1923, a daughter of the late Patrick and Margaret (Niver) Riley. She graduated from Truxton School, married the love of her life after WWII and settled in Homer. Betty worked in the Homer High School Cafeteria for 25 years where she was known as the Cookie Lady. She was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening but her greatest joy in life was caring for her family. She is survived by her son Ed Smith (Karen Stevens) and daughter Donna (Daniel) Moore both of Homer; grandchildren Lynn (Christopher) Frye of Liverpool, NY, David (Tonia) Smith of North Rose, NY, Mike (Megan) Riley, Jr. of Canton, CT, Trista Smith (Cal Thomas) of Homer and Staci Bandavanis of Cortland; great-grandchildren Ashton Smith, Morgan Smith and Thomas Frye III. She also leaves behind her brother Richard (Lana) Riley of Homer and sister June Greenier of Burdett, NY; brothers-in-law John Lansdowne and Elmer Slack; sisters-in-law Louise Riley, Winnie Wafner and Letta Smith; many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Neal Smith in 2003; brothers Michael Riley, Leo Riley and William Riley; sisters Mary Marcellus, Mildred Hathaway, Sally Lansdowne and Margaret Slack. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Margaret’s Church, Homer. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright Beard Funeral Home, Cortland. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff of Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.