Elizabeth A. Smith

Elizabeth Ann (Shay) Smith, Betty, 96, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2025, at home in North Kingstown, RI.

She was born in Warren, Ohio, on March 15th, 1929. Betty was the daughter of the late, Joseph L. and Olive M. Shay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard, brothers, Joseph Jr., Willam, George, and Robert and her sister, Mary Malone.

She grew up in Albany, NY and was a graduate of Cathedral Academy. She was very active in ice/roller skating, skiing, golf (accomplishing 2 hole-in-ones!), bridge and volunteering at her church. She met her husband, Dick Smith, on the ski slopes and they lived in many cities on the east and west coasts while Dick worked with GE. Dick and Betty eventually made their home in Hendersonville, NC, where they raised their 3 children. After moving to Ridgefield, CT, they retired to Keowee, SC and later returned to their beloved Hendersonville, NC. Betty spent the last 7 years with her daughter, Kathy and her husband Win, in Wickford, RI.

She is survived by her 3 children, Deborah (Peter) Adams, Kathleen (Win) Brown, and David (Mary) Smith. Betty also has 5 grandchildren, Sarah (Alex) Danehy; Michael Adams; Cate (John) Winsor; Brad (Katie) Brown; and Kelsey Brown. Betty was also the great-grandmother to Rowan Danehy. Although she was the last in the families of her generation, her loving family extends to many nieces and nephews on both coasts who will miss her kind and generous ways.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice or Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice, 1184 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871. Exceptional care was given by all staff, but in particular, her nurse Bailey shined.

Burial will be private with arrangements by Cranston Murphy Funeral Home of Wickford, RI.

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