Louise Smith of Ithaca, NY died unexpectedly of natural causes on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at her
assisted living residence. She was 86.
She was predeceased by her husband Sidney and son Schieffelin. She is survived by a daughter,
Margarita (Kris), a son, Douglas (Andrea), and daughter-in-law, Susan. She is also survived by two sisters,
Kathie and Anne, and six grandchildren, Cooper, Lily, Grace, Henry, Timothy, and William.
After studying physics at Smith College, Louise worked for seven years at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Infirmary in Boston, researching auditory physiology. She made lifelong friends at the lab. Louise met
her husband, Sidney, during this time and fondly recalled snowshoeing on their first date.
Louise and Sidney lived in upstate New York and in the Boston area prior to moving to New Canaan, CT.
In New Canaan Louise was active at St. Mark’s Church, Community Bible Study, and the annual Smith
College book sale. She had a firm faith in the Lord from which she radiated sweetness and humility to
others. She loved to correspond with friends acquired at all stages of her life. Some of her fondest
memories included summers with extended family at her grandparents’ farm in Maryland. Later in life,
she enjoyed summers at her cottage in the Finger Lakes.
Always ready for a walk (typically wearing an L.L. Bean fleece), or a game of cards or Boggle, Louise led
an active life. She traveled extensively, visiting every continent at least once. She loved wildlife,
especially puffins. Highlights included a 10-week adventure in rural Pakistan and hiking the Milford Track
in New Zealand.
She was an ardent fan of early rising, morning swims, scripture, prayer, routine, thrift, naps, oatmeal,
pretzels, historical novels, National Geographic, and keeping a diary.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 20 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in
New Canaan, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a fund for brain cancer research established by her late
son in gratitude for the care he received at Duke: The Schieffelin Smith Endowment 6119571 at Duke
University, Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home of Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be
made to Louise’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Louise Smith, please visit our flower store.