Obituaries

Irene G. Smith, 85

December 12, 2021

On Sunday, December 12, Irene G. Smith, 85, of Lititz, Pa. passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hershey Medical Center.

She was the wife of Cyrus David Smith (Dave), with whom she shared almost 60 years of marriage. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Claude N. and Irella (Bearns) Gilbert. Soon after graduating from high school, Irene joined the U.S. Army and served her country for two enlistments.

Irene was a mother and an adoring grandma (Ba) whose greatest joy and treasure was her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with and talking to her beloved grandchildren. She had an unmatched wit and was quick with a laugh. An easy “I love you” and “hugs and kisses” was shared with each goodbye. She was a superb baker and worked as a cake decorator earlier in her life. She was especially well known for her pecan and shoofly pies. She enjoyed sewing and frequently sent table runners to friends as a way of letting them know she was thinking of them. Not a day went by that she didn’t enjoy a big bowl of ice cream, watch her birds and feed the numerous stray cats that seemed to just know that she was the house to show up at. She will be missed – but joyfully remembered − by all she crossed paths with.

In addition to her husband, Dave, Irene is survived by her two children and their spouses: Mark A. and Lisa Smith of Stanhope, N.J. and Sheryl B. and Stephen Zapcic of Lancaster, Pa.; her five grandchildren; Brandon, Ashley (fiancé Daniel Ryan), Meghann (husband Ryan Desrochers), Emily, and Kayla; her brother, John Gilbert; and cherished sister-in-law, Loretta Gilbert (wife of late brother Ralf Gilbert).

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA at 11 a.m., with family receiving friends from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org/donate

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Condolences to the Family

January 11, 2022

WORKED AT SELECTIVE INSURANCE CO WITH IRENE AND WE BOTH LIVED IN THE SAME TOWN OF MILFORD PA. WE WOULD CONVERSE ON THE PHONE OR BUMP INTO EACH OTHER OUT AND ABOUT. IRENE WAS ALWAYS INTO SEWING AND SUCH AND ENJOYED SHARING HER RECIPES. AFTER SHE MOVED TO LITITZ, I WOULD GIVE HER A CALL FROM TIME TO TIME AND THE LAST TIME I SPOKE WITH HER WAS IN JULY 2021 WHEN IRENE TOLD ME SHE WAS NOT WELL. I PRAYED FOR HER AND THEN WHEN I CALLED RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS AND HER HUSBAND PICKED UP THE PHONE, I JUST KNEW SHE BECAME AN ANGEL. GOD BLESS YOU IRENE. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY.
MAUREEN BABCOCK
MILFORD PENNSYLLVANIA

January 08, 2022

Thank You Mark and Sheryl for the virtual service I only wish the weather was ok because I was coming with Bill. I love your Mom and she was the last of friends I will never forget her.
Lenore Hing

January 08, 2022

Such a beautiful Memorial Service! So sorry I couldn’t be there! Be Schroeder

January 08, 2022

Beautiful service. Thank you for sharing so many memories of how many ways she loved her friends and family. Our deep condolences – but also, celebrating her life with you!
Michael Zapcic and “The rest”

January 08, 2022

To your dear family. My heart is saddened at the passing of Irene.I was always encouraged by her smile and kind words when she would come to S Clyde Weavers’ bakery. Some customers leave a lasting memory. You all were some of them! May the Lord comfort you at this time. Linda Heistand

January 07, 2022

Dear Family, my family and I are very sorry for your loss. Irene will be missed by all. She was loved as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Whenever I think of Irene, I think of her smiling. My family will always have great memories of her and her great cooking.

December 16, 2021

Ray and I will always remember Aunt Irene’s special cheer and warm love. I will recall our chats about our backyard birds, our indoor plants, and what to do with a bounty of berries or other goodies. She was greatly loved and will be very much missed.

Visitation: Saturday, January 08, 2022; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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Services: Saturday, January 08, 2022; 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >