Obituary of Bernice A. Smitka

Bernice A. Smitka, 92, formerly of Deerfield Estates, County Hwy 107, Perth, passed away Thursday evening at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility where she resided for three years. She also resided at the Sarah Jane Sanford Home for Women for several months. Born August 30, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York she was the daughter of Charles and Theresa Costello Armstrong. Bernice was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and the Amsterdam Business School. Bernice was employed by Grayson Insurance Company in Amsterdam where she worked in customer service. She was parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Broadalbin and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. Bernice was a member of the Perth Senior Citizens and at one time enjoyed bowling and was an avid Mets Baseball fan. She also loved her annual Easter reunion with her granddaughters and their children. On June 16, 1938 she married Casper T. Smitka who passed away in 1986. She was also predeceased by a son, Thomas J. Smitka, three brothers, Kenneth, Jack and Bernard Armstrong and a sister, Ruth Schmidt. Survivors include a son, Robert J. Smitka of Perth, New York; a daughter, Sandra A. Dominguez of Tolland, Connecticut; a brother William Armstrong of Amsterdam; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A prayer service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2009, at 11:00 AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12 noon at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, North Street, Broadalbin, NY with Fr. Thomas Morrette as celebrant. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 10 to 11 AM at the funeral home. The Catholic Daughters will say a final prayer at 11AM. Memorial contributions may be made in Bernice's memory to the Sarah Jane Sanford Home for Women, 69 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.