Obituary of Nancy Belle Smith

Nancy Belle Rymal Smith transitioned March 11, 2022 peacefully at home in Tucson AZ surrounded by loved ones. Nancy was born August 4, 1932 in Hamilton Ontario to Harmon Herbert and Mary Margaret (Rymal) Lees. She was raised by her Grandmother Jesse Belle Lees and her father.

Nancy was very proud to become a citizen of the United States.  She worked in the offices of Wurlitzer and Marine Midland Bank where she met her husband Ray William Smith.  Nancy and Ray Co-owned Smith Farms in Cambria NY as second generation grape farmers following Arthur and Gertrude Smith, growing for Welch foods and later Taylor Wine Company.  She participated in every aspect of the farm.

Nancy was very active in the community.  She enjoyed serving on the Starpoint School Board and PTA as well as teaching Sunday school and being Youth Group Leader at Cambria United Church of Christ.  She also participated with Literacy Volunteers and Mediation.  

Nancy received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Niagara Community College.

At 57 she journeyed to the Southwest and fell in love with the Tucson desert.  It improved her health and warmed her heart.  Nancy was a cook in private homes in Tucson AZ.

Nancy is survived by sisters Mary Patricia Lees of Toronto, Ontario

                                                           Mikki (Max deceased) House of Tucson, AZ

                                                           Susan Robinson of California

 

Incredibly loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother to;  

 

Deborah Waldron of Vancouver, BC

   Granddaughter - Melanie Morley of Bornemouth, ENG

 

Peter Andrew Smith (Myrna Miller) of Cambria, NY

  Third generation grape farmer of Smith Farms

   Grandchildren -  Eric Lee of Cambria, NY

             Great Granddaughters Natalie and Erica

                              Phillip Andrew (Sarah) of Lockport, NY

             Great Grandchildren Sonia and Cash

                              John Miller (deceased)

             Great Granddaughter Hailey

                              Matthew Miller of Amherst, NY

                              Christina Leigh Passucci (Nicholas) of Aurora, NY

             Great Grandsons Nicolas, Russell and Dario

 

Jacqueline Rae (Michael) Connelly of Lockport, NY 

     Grandchildren - Kory Jean (Eric) Shugats of Pendelton, NY

           Great Grandchildren Eric and Vivian

                               Robert Brian (Sara) Wasik of Cambria, NY

           Great Grandchild Elizabeth

                               Kay Nova (Robert) Fetter of Amherst, NY

           Great Grandchildren Katherine and Robert

                               Thomas Ray (MJ) Wasik of Lockport, NY

 

Jennifer Lynn Sandoval of Tucson, AZ

       Grandson - Jacob Rio Sandoval of Tucson, AZ

 

Nancy is also survived by many nieces, nephews and people whose lives she touched and made better.

Nancy brought patience, love and joy everywhere she went. Her enthusiasm and energy helped to start and complete many projects.  She enjoyed cooking, camping, and teaching her grandchildren.  Her love of nature has been instilled in all of us.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held privately.  Please celebrate her in your heart, watch the birds, and dance with joy.

 

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