Obituary of Elaine E. Smith

Elaine E. Smith (Vander Linden), 92, formerly of Switzer Hill Road in Fonda, NY, and more recently of Pottersville, NY, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2022 at Nathan Littauer Hospital Nursing Home. Elaine was born on March 7, 1930 in Schenectady to the late William Daniel and Sylvia (Benoit) Vander Linden.

On June 25, 1955 she was united in marriage to H. Carl Smith of Canajoharie, NY. They spent 48 wonderful years together, until his passing in 2003.

Elaine earned her Associate's Degree in Nursey Education from SUNY Cobleskill, and went on to work at the Fonda-Fultonville School District as a Teacher's Aide from 1965 until her semi-retirement in 1980. She would then go on to earn her Associate's Degree in Travel & Tourism from Herkimer Community College, and work as a Travel Agent at the Belvedere and Carbonelli Travel Agencies. She worked for a total of 10 years as a Travel Agent, while also working a seasonal part-time job at the Wallace and Armer Hardware Store, where she would set up and maintain their Christmas displays through the Holiday Season.

Elaine's greatest passion in life was spending time with children, and caring for their well-being. She showed this through her work at the school district, and also at home, where she took diligent care of her five children. She also spent many years sponsoring children in India through the Children's Foundation.

Her loving family includes her children, Susan Smith, Debbie Reich, William (Paula) Smith, David (Norfa) Smith, and Robin Moore; grandchildren, Nathaniel Reich, Michael Reich, Kaitlynn Smith, Shane (Mary) Smith, Connor Smith, and April Veeder; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Aside from her parents, William and Sylvia, and her husband, H. Carl, Elaine is preceded in passing by her grandson, Joshua Reich, and by her sister, Diane Rankin.

Relatives and friends are invited, and may call on August 12, 2022 from 11:00AM until noon at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY, with funeral services to follow. Interment services will be held in the Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville, New York where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Montgomery County ASPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010.