Obituary of Martha Smith

Martha Jane (Torrey) Smith, 81, formerly of Cortland, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2019 under the care of The Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, N.Y. Her daughters were blessed to spend her last days with her there. Martha was born on June 13, 1938 in Cortland, the only child of the late George C. Torrey and Pearle Steele Torrey. A 1956 graduate of Cortland High School, Martha was a Registered Nurse after graduating from Auburn Nursing School in 1959. She began the majority of her nursing career at Cortland Memorial Hospital and worked at the Cortland OBGYN office in Cortland. She also earned an accounting degree later in life. She married the late Frederick B. Smith on December 12, 1959 and had two daughters, Barbara and Nancy. She was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church, Order of Eastern Star #591, among others, and had a wide variety of talents and interests. She enjoyed camping with her family, bowling, knitting, and other crafts, and was always on the move and willing to lend a hand. She loved to travel with friends and family. She and Fred went on several trips. They particularly loved the Lancaster, PA area. She was the caregiver of her husband from the time of his first stroke in 1986 until his death in 2010. She did it selflessly and with love. There was nothing more precious to her than her family and countless friends that she considered to be her family as well. She had great affection and a special bond with her grandchildren and was excited to welcome her two great-grandsons to the family. She will be especially remembered for her devilish sense of humor and "dancing eyes," her kind and generous heart and for being a true, loyal friend. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Anthony) Cincotta, and Nancy (Randy) Wheelock; grandchildren Alyssa (Michael) Corp and Andrew Wheelock; and great-grandsons, Michael and Leo Corp. Calling hours will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., Thursday, July 18, from 4 to 7pm. Funeral Services will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cortland Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider: The Eastern Star Home, 8290 NY-69, Oriskany, NY 13424. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com