Obituary of Helena M Smith

Helena M. Smith of New Windsor, formerly of New Paltz and Highland Falls, passed away on Thursday, July 29 at Wingate Nursing Home in Beacon. She was 99. The daughter of John and Augusta Schonz Feith, she was born in Highland Falls on December 5, 1921. She was a 65-year resident of Highland Falls and a member of Sacred Heart Parish. After attending Spencer Business School in Newburgh, she worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses including National Gypsum in Newburgh. During WWII and afterwards, she worked in the Finance Office at the US Military Academy at West Point. While primarily a homemaker and mother, she helped support her family with varied part-time positions over the years. She was a talented piano player and, as a young woman, was accompanist for the Sacred Heart Church Choir. She had a life-long love of reading and a thirst for knowledge. She was an avid gardener, who loved growing flowers, fruits, vegetables, and houseplants. She loved to crochet, do crossword puzzles, and was known for her amazing baking. Her family will remember her wisdom and her unselfish, generous, and giving nature. She was the widow of Alfred E. Smith. She was predeceased by her son, Alfred E. Smith, Jr. Survivors include her son, Gerard Smith of Schenectady, and her daughter, Therese Lamica and her husband Gary of New Windsor. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Matthew, Joseph, and Janna Smith; Steven, Laura, and Alyssa Lamica; and one great grandchild, Alexander Smith. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday, August 6 at Hudson Valley Funeral Home, 239 Quassaick Ave in New Windsor. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am on Saturday, August 7 at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main. St, in Highland Falls. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery in Gardiner, NY.