Elsie M. Smith

Elsie M. Smith, 75, peacefully went home to be with the LORD on Sunday, September 13, 2020 after a recent and courageous battle with ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease. She was the beloved wife of Donald C. Smith of Oxford for almost 53 years. The daughter of the late Clarence and Ann Omlor, Elsie was born on October 18, 1944 in the small coal mining town of Whyles, PA. She graduated from Sewickley High School, then attended Miami Bible College in Florida for three years where she met Don. Elsie and Don ventured north, eventually getting married and building their own house in Oxford, CT. Elsie became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and faithfully served patients for 40 years, first at Lord Chamberlain in Stratford and then for the State of Connecticut in various psychiatric facilities, including Fairfield Hills in Newtown and Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center in Bridgeport. Coworkers remember her fondly for her strong work ethic, dedication to excellence, and compassion for others. Elsie's unconditional love for her family and friends was fueled by her deep passion for Jesus Christ, her Savior. She and Don faithfully attended Beacon Hill Church in Monroe starting in 1975 shortly after the church was planted. Never wanting to draw attention to herself, Elsie quietly served the Lord as the Secretary for Vacation Bible School and the Registrar for the AWANA club. Supporting the Lord's work at church and around the world was very important to Elsie. She proudly fulfilled her life-long dream of being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel. Elsie was a woman of firm convictions and traditional biblical principles, loving to sing all the hymns and especially southern gospel music such as the Gaither Vocal Band. A prayer warrior, she didn't just say she'd pray for you; she actually did it…daily. Elsie enjoyed traveling by car around the country, visiting relatives and appreciating God's creation. Elsie cherished family - so much so that she hosted and cooked bountiful Thanksgiving Day meals for extended family. Christmas was her favorite holiday, always decorating her house, giving very thoughtful gifts, and keeping the focus on Jesus. Elsie was loving and compassionate yet decisive and firm, raising three sons who have all followed in her strong faith. Retirement freed Elsie up to assist in caring for her grandchildren whom she loved deeply. She cherished attending every sports activity and school event with Don in support of the beloved grandkids. In addition to her loving husband, Elsie is survived by her son, Joel Smith and wife Robin of Oxford; son, Darren Smith and wife Kristen of Farmington; and son Gary Smith of Yarmouth Port, MA. The enveloping hugs from "Grandma" will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Simon Smith, Caleb Smith, Sydnie Smith, and Brennan Smith. Elsie is also survived by her older brothers Joseph Omlor and William Omlor, younger brother Dale Omlor, and many nieces and nephews. All of these she loved uniquely and touched deeply. Besides her parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her sisters Frances Omlor, Margaret Omlor, and Clara Omlor and by her brother Clarence Omlor. Due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and national precautionary restrictions, a memorial service for immediate family and close friends will be private. Donations may be made in Elsie's honor to the ALS Association - Connecticut Chapter (https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20096a?df_id=34463&34463.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=0F4278F5933F20F6815C69201957CE14) or to the Connecticut Hospice (https://www.hospice.com/honor-memorial-gifts/), both of which the family thanks for their compassionate service to Elsie.