ELSIE SMITH
NORWICH – Elsie Smith, 91, of Norwich passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20,2014 at the home of her daughter, Linda Emmons. Elsie was born on July 8, 1923 on the campus of Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Louis and Anna Orban. She spent her childhood living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and New York City. Elsie spent many happy summers at her Aunt Rose Schleppy's home on the Lehigh River with her brother and many cousins.
In order to support the war effort during World War II Elsie worked as a welder at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. She was proud to say she worked on the famous Battleship USS Missouri, where the Japanese surrendered. She met the love of her life, Bertram Winfield Smith, at the Navy Yard as well. They enjoyed 25 wonderful years of marriage. She shared his love of horseracing and had visited most of the racetracks in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. They also enjoyed many happy vacations in Lake George, New York.
Elsie loved taking care of her family and was always there for them. She enjoyed playing cards with the neighborhood ladies as well as baking, cooking, and crocheting. In her later years she took up scrapbooking with her daughter and completed a beautiful scrapbook of her life.
Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Bertram W Smith, her parents Louis and Anna Orban Horne,and her brother Robert Horne. She is survived by her daughter Linda and son in law, Wayne Emmons, of Norwich; grandsons Matthew and his wife Lauren Emmons of Elkridge, Maryland and Steven Emmons of Norwich. Elsie is also survived by her brothers Louis and Pauline Orban of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, George and the late Linda Horne of Gastonia, North Carolina, and sister in law Mildred Horne of Raynham, Massachusetts. Elsie also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
As per Elsie's wishes there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County,21 Hayes St, Norwich, NY 13815 or the Chenango County SPCA,6160 County Rd 32, Norwich, NY 13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to Elsie’s family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.