Shirley Smith Obituary

Shirley A. Smith, age 89 of Horseheads, NY passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Chemung County Nursing Facility.
Born on August 3, 1935 in Franklin, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Glenn and Edith (Krause) Boyce. After high school, Shirley attended Mansfield College where she earned her Bachelor's in Teaching. She married Wendell Smith on July 14, 1957. He predeceased her on October 27, 2013. Shirley worked as an elementary school teacher for various schools before retiring in 1997 from Calvin U. Smith Elementary School.
Shirley's lifelong career as a teacher fostered her love for children. Her favorite phrase was "I'll hold the baby" whenever she heard a small baby fussing. She was an avid sports fan, specifically the NY Yankees and could always be found supporting her children and grandchildren's sporting events. She and her family enjoyed spending every July on Keuka lake, building memories and creating lifelong friendships. Shirley and Wendell loved to dance and would go out every Friday evening for dinner and dancing with their friends. She loved her dog, Buster, and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and visiting and talking with the numerous friends she made.
Shirley is survived by her daughters: Babette Smith of Painted Post, NY, Amy Beth VanDelinder of Corning, NY; grandchildren: Megan Smith, Emily VanDelinder, Reese VanDelinder; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her brothers: Glenn and Richard Boyce.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning, NY. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 6:00 pm, Pastor Kevin Austin officiating. Burial will take place alongside her husband in Bath National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley's name may be sent to the Southeast Steuben County Library, 300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza Suite 101, Corning, NY 14830.