Norma Smetzer

It is with a combination of sadness and joy that we announce that Norma Elaine Wilhide Smetzer, age 96 of Chambersburg PA, passed from this life on December 29, 2023, and entered into Her Eternal Rest. Born March 29, 1927, in Waynesboro, PA, she was the daughter of the late Norman Scott and Sarah Margaret (Noll) Wilhide.

Norma grew up in Waynesboro, PA, and was a 1945 graduate of the former Washington Township High School. After graduation, Norma worked as a telephone operator for the United Telephone Company in Waynesboro, PA. In the spring of 1946, Norma met the love of her life, Allen Emmert Smetzer, in their hometown of Waynesboro PA. They married on September 28, 1946, in Hagerstown, MD. Norma and Allen soon started their family, and Norma was a happy, full-time mother and homemaker, residing in Waynesboro, PA. In 1951, they moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, when her husband was transferred with his job. A few years later, in the summer of 1955, they relocated to Chambersburg, PA. In 1963, Norma began working part-time as a bookkeeper and salesclerk for Joe, the Motorists' Friend in Chambersburg, PA, alongside her husband Allen, who was the Store Manager. During this time, Norma also served several years as an elementary school crossing-guard. Both Norma and Allen retired in 1978, when the store closed. Norma then delighted in working part-time at the Encore Thrift Shop, at that time owned by her daughter, Nancy. Norma also enjoyed activities with the Golden Age Club in Chambersburg. Throughout her life, Norma loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an adoring and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who doted on her family, and was actively involved in her grandchildren's lives. Norma had an energetic, chatty and friendly temperament. Often, we would be blessed with the sound of her lovely singing voice as she casually went about her day. Norma liked picnics, family gatherings, and afternoon excursions to get ice cream. Norma and Allen regularly enjoyed playing cards, socializing and dancing at local veteran’s clubs, as well as participating in club-sponsored bus trips. Some of Norma's other favorite activities were camping, leisure travel around the U.S. with family and friends, reading, and enjoying and caring for the many family pets they had over the years.

For seventy-two years, Norma was the beloved wife of the late Allen E. Smetzer, who passed on March 23, 2019. In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cynthia L. Robinson in 1983, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold R. Wilhide and Robert C. Wilhide.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Nancy Strite, Ellen Fassio, and Barbara Witter (Alan) all of Chambersburg PA; and Susan Baldassari (Robert) of Vienna VA; her grandchildren, William Robinson (Kim), Ryan Hopple, Paul Hopple, Jennifer Mason (Mike), Aaron Witter (Dawn), Brandon Baldassari (Charlotte), Stephen Baldassari and Amanda Lott (Preston); 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice and to Blue Mountain Home Healthcare. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Rd. West, Chambersburg, PA 17201. www.cvas-pets.org.