Eleanor Smith

Eleanor A. Smith, 70, of Fayetteville, PA and formerly of Horseheads and Big Flats, NY, passed away Monday morning, October 24, 2011 at Hershey Medical Center. Born August 28, 1941 in Plainfield, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Argue Douglass. Eleanor was a graduate of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in New Jersey. A licensed real estate broker in New York, she owned and operated Eleanor A. Smith Real Estate in Big Flats. She was a hospice volunteer and an EMT and paramedic instructor in Chemung County, NY. Eleanor had a great affection for horses and operated a horse farm with her husband in Big Flats for ten years. Upon moving to her current home in Fayetteville in 2001, she devoted much of her time to serving as President of the Gettysburg Area Ostomy Support Group and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Fayetteville and participated in numerous church activities.

Eleanor is survived by her loving husband, Richard K. Smith, whom she married September 3, 1966; five children, Douglas R. Ahrens and wife Patricia of Ballston Spa, NY, Stephen F. Ahrens of Charlotte, NC, Michael B. Ahrens and wife Cathy of Horseheads, NY, Debra L. Gaboriault of Rochester, NY, and David E. Smith and wife Laura of Elmhurst, IL; a daughter-in-law Aileen Smith of Wawautosa, WI; and fourteen grandchildren. She is also survived by three siblings, Janet Yankalunas and husband Edward of Eastville, VA, Barbara Melvin and husband William of Coal Grove, OH, and Donald T. Douglass and wife Eileen of Cape May Court House, NJ. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, Michael R. Smith on June 16, 2011.

A private celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held by her family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222.