Obituary of Virginia Smith

Virginia G Smith, 98, of Rome NY died unexpectedly on Wednesday April 26th. Born January 19, 1920 in East Syracuse NY, she was the daughter of Walter and Edna Guenther. On September 5, 1942 she was united in marriage to Harry G. Smith in East Syracuse, they enjoyed over 55 years of marriage until his death in 1998. Virginia graduated from East Syracuse schools and Oswego State University. She was a third grade teacher at the former Bell Road/Clough elementary school, retiring in 1979. Virginia was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Women's Fellowship. Virginia was a talented seamstress and quilter. Her accomplishments included making wedding dresses for her five daughters, and completion of over two hundred quilted items. She was a member of the Mohawk Valley Quilt Guild, Hands All Around Quilt Club and the Wednesday Afternoon Quilt Group. Virginia prided herself on making Sunday dinners for her family and did so up to her last Sunday. Surviving are her five daughters and their spouses: Georgette and William Pritchard and Candice and Clifford Fike of Rome NY, Cynthia Freeman of Sherrill NY, Lorraine and Michael Szaraz of Vernon NY, and Holly and Garry Puglio Jr. of Bradford PA. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. She was predeceased by her husband Harry G. Smith, her brother Norman Guenther and her great grandson Stephen D. Martin. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 301. W Embargo St., Rome, NY on Monday April 30th at 11:00am. Interment in the Rome Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call at the Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Rd. on Sunday April 29th from 4:00 – 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund or United Cerebral Palsy Association, 1020 Mary St, Utica, NY 13501