Obituary of Jean "Gram" Smith

Jean "Gram" Smith Albany-Jean Gallagher Smith, known well as "Gram", age 95, of Albany, New York passed away August 20, 2011 at the Kingsway Community. She died peacefully in her sleep. A lifelong resident of Albany, Gram was born February 23, 1916 to Eugene and Theresa (Kaufman) Gallagher. She graduated at the top of her class from the Vincentian Institute in 1934. She married Joseph G. Smith in 1935. She enjoyed her career, retiring in 1983 from the State University of New York at Albany as the Executive Assistant to the Dean. She also served as Secretary of the Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) for many years. After retirement, she volunteered doing research for the New York State Department of Archives and the Albany Public Library. Gram was an avid reader and gardener. She loved bird watching, genealogy, playing the piano, high heels, baking pies, and making Easter baskets. She lived independently, maintaining her figure and good health until earlier this year. Gram is survived by her two grandchildren - Linda A. Smith of Needham, MA and Joseph S. Smith of Troy, NY; her daughter-in-law, Mildred F. Smith of Latham, NY; and her nieces and nephew, Martha Brew, Nancy DuBois, and Jack Smith. She is predeceased by her son, Joseph J. Smith; her husband, Joseph G. Smith; her sister, Ellen Smith; and her brother, William Gallagher. Family and friends will gather at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Latham, 9:00AM, August 23. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow, 11:00AM, at Mater Christi Church 40 Hopewell Street Albany, where Gram is a member. If you would like to honor Gram with a memorial gift, we suggest the Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com