Mary Louise Etzel Smith, 90

FULTON, NY – Mary Louise E. Smith, 90, resident of Granby, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016, at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego.

Mrs. Smith was born on January 18, 1925, the daughter of the late George F. Etzel and Fanny Jacobs Etzel.

She was a 1943 graduate of Freeport High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Maine, Orono.

She had later completed graduate studies from SUNY Oswego.

In June 1946, she married Ray E. Smith Jr., who returned from serving in the military and was enrolled at University of Maine.

Together, they moved to Fulton in 1951.

In 1959, she began teaching in the Fulton School District.

Mrs. Smith taught kindergarten for eight years at Oak Street School.

She then began to teach at Lanigan School as a reading teacher.

During that time, she taught remedial reading and after she retired, Mary and her husband opened their hearts and home to students in need of additional scholastic instruction.

She provided them the tutoring and encouragement that has helped make differences in their lives.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She also enjoyed home decorating, collecting antiques and gardening.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Ray, who passed away March 12, 2009; and by her brothers, George Jr. and Bernard Etzel.

Mrs. Smith is survived by a son, Mark G. Smith of Florida; a daughter, Gretchen (Donald) Bryan of Florida; four grandchildren, Clarisa (Scott) Purks and Rebeca (Robert) Pendleton both of Florida and Travis and Trevor Smith both of Georgia; five great-granddaughters, Summer and Saylor Purks and Paige and Isabella Smith and Kaylin Pendleton; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced.

There are no calling hours.

Burial will be at Mount Adnah Cemetery, Fulton.

Foster Funeral Home, Fulton has charge of arrangements.

Foster Funeral Home, Inc.

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