Obituary of Lillian K. Smith

Schenectady - Lillian K. Smith, of Glen Eddy Drive and formerly of Hawthorn Road, Niskayuna, died peacefully at home on October 1, 2013. She had just turned 94 years old. Born in Schenectady on September 30, 1919, she was the daughter of William H. and Edna (Heider) Kruger. She grew up in a close and loving family in Mont Pleasant. She graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1937. In 1941 she graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in mathematics, with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Education. From 1941 to 1942 Lillian taught mathematics at a junior high school in Ithaca, New York. She then worked for the General Electric Company in Schenectady from 1942 to 1949 as an engineering assistant, in the Turbine Department, the General Engineering and Consulting Laboratory, and the Flight Test Center. During World War II she was a volunteer nurse's aide at Ellis Hospital for the Red Cross. She married Edward P. Smith in 1947, and they had two children. She became a full-time wife and mother, and remained a valued member of her community. Lillian was born into and for many years was a very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, including as a Sunday School teacher. She then became and at the time of her death was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was a member and president of Schenectady's Syracuse University Alumnae Club, and a member and secretary of the Dutch Valley Garden Club. She participated in the PTA and the Home Bureau. She and her husband served as the presidents of The Benedicts. Her many interests and talents included gardening, needlepointing, baking, traveling throughout the United States and the world, and bringing joy to others. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, who died in 2002, and her brother, Willard H. Kruger. She is survived by her much loved children, Gregory P. K. Smith of Menlo Park, CA, and Debra L. Smith of Schenectady. She is also survived by her dear cousins Ruth Keyser and Glenn Heider both of the area, Berenice Perkis of Florida, and Lois Deans of California; and by her cherished nieces and nephew. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady with her treasured pastor, Rev. Shawn L. Dugan, officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to call immediately before the funeral from 10 AM to 11 AM. . In celebration of her life, contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308; to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1850 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12309; or to a charity of choice.