Obituary of Lillian C. Smith

Lillian (Coady) Smith, age 94, of New Britain, Connecticut passed away on January 11, 2024. Born on April 28, 1929 in New York, New York she was the daughter of the late Irene (Bouchard) and Thomas Coady, Sr. Lillian graduated from New Britain Senior High School in 1947 and from Teachers College of Connecticut (Central Connecticut State University) in 1951. Lillian was an elementary school teacher in New Britain and in Ardmore, PA.

In 1952, Lillian married the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Dr. Vincent Smith, Jr., who predeceased her.Lillian was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed many gatherings and vacations with family and friends. Together with Vincent, she traveled extensively to destinations including Egypt, Israel, Russia, Europe, Greece, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. She enjoyed the beaches of Block Island, Ocean City, MD and Delray Beach, FL as well as family ski trips to Mt. Ascutney in Vermont. She enjoyed playing bridge, paddle tennis and golfing as well as many social events at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in New Britain.

Lillian enjoyed making flower arrangements for family, friends and various competitions, winning multiple awards for her talent. Her flower arrangements were exhibited at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show, the New Britain Garden Club, the Berlin Fair and the New Britain Museum of American Art.

Lillian was associated with several community organizations including the Saint Francis of Assisi Church Ladies’ Guild, the Ladies Auxiliary of the New Britain Dental Society (past president), the New Britain Garden Club and the Girl Scouts (troop leader). At the Hospital of Central Connecticut, she served as a Corporator, a life member of the Auxiliary and a gift shop volunteer.

Lillian passed away peacefully at the Jerome Home in New Britain. She is survived by her four children, Robin Schmidt and her husband Jerome of Somers, NY; Michael Smith and his wife Audrey of Farmington; Barbara Harrison and her husband Dr. Joseph Harrison of Kensington; and Sarah Smith-Griffen of Unionville. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Dr. Allison Schmidt and David Schmidt; Molly, Joseph and Katherine Harrison; and Augustus Griffen; and great-grandchild, Clementine Harrison. Lillian is also survived by a sister-in-law, Wanda Coady. In addition to her husband, Lillian was predeceased by her sister Pauline Goodwin, brother-in-law Dr. John Goodwin and brother Thomas Coady, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday (Jan. 19, 2024) at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1755 Stanley St. New Britain. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery Mausoleum, New Britain. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospital of Central Connecticut or St. Francis of Assisi Parish.