Martha C. (Clark) Smith

Martha Josephine Clark Smith, 101, died peacefully on July 29th, surrounded by her family. Martha was born on October 22, 1922, in Bennington, VT, daughter of Alice Adele Elwell Clark and Miner Charles Clark. She had a wonderful 61-year marriage to her beloved Robert E. Smith, who died in 2016. A devoted mother to Karen Nell Smith (Andy) of Cataumet, Mass.; Alice Ann Smith Mahoney (Bob) (both of whom predeceased Martha); Amy Smith Perkins (Bob) of Asbury, N.J.; Nathan John Smith (Janis) of Columbia, N.J.; grandchildren, Bob (Allison), Carolyn (Caanen), Emily (Leif), Hannah (John), Lowell, Jacob, Mattie (Alek), Connie, Peter, and great-grandchildren, Caelin, Ciarin and Anna; Martha also leaves a cherished sister-in-law, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Martha grew up in East Arlington, VT, and graduated from Arlington High School. Receiving an art scholarship from Dorothy Canfield Fisher, she studied oil painting in Ridgewood, NJ. After graduating from Castleton State College, she returned to NJ to teach elementary school where she met Bob. They put down roots in Cranford, N.J.; Warren, N.J.; Danby, Vt., and Lunenburg, Mass. Martha was the quintessential “church lady,” active at Cranford United Methodist Church, Union Village UMC, Tinmouth Community Church, and the Congregational Church of Christ of North Leominster.

Always artistic and creative, she enjoyed hosting gatherings of family and friends and made room at her table for anyone who appeared on her doorstep. She was famous for cooking up whatever Bob’s hunting and fishing brought home, baking amazing birthday cakes from scratch, and hand writing letters to many well into her 90’s. Martha was immensely proud of her Vermont heritage and loved researching family history. In her quiet way, she touched the lives of so many. She will be remembered for her devotion to loved ones, her many kindnesses, and her gracious and warm hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Vermont Art Center, P.O. Box 617 Manchester, VT 05254; https://www.svac.org/make-a-donation/

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