Celia A. Smith Obituary (1925 - 2016)

After 90 years of a long and happy life, Celia passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 9th. Celia was born in Corning to Michael and Helen Serdula. She graduated from St. Mary's Parochial School, Corning Free Academy and St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Elmira, NY. She married the love of her life, Bernard J. Smith, on February 7th, 1948. He predeceased her on March 18, 1989. Together they raised seven wonderful children. Celia's Catholic faith was extremely important to her and she cherished it and lived by its teachings. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was always a source of thoughtful advice and encouragement. Celia enjoyed reading, painting and traveling. Many family and friends were gifted with her paintings and crocheted afghans. Celia served as a committee person of both the City of Corning and the Steuben County Democratic Party. She held several offices including past Regent of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters: Mary, Anne, Catherine, Susan and Helen, brothers: George and John. Celia is survived by her children: Maureen Foster, Joseph (Bea) Smith, David (Victoria) Smith, Kristine (Mickey) Sullivan, Terence Smith, Bernard J. (Jamie) Smith, Jr., Sue Ellen Smith and her sister, Margaret Duffy. Grandchildren: Christopher (Wendy) Foster, Brian Foster, Kathryn Foster, Matthew Smith, Peter Smith, Justin Smith, Renee (Kirt) Booth, Rachel Smith, Lydia Smith, Bernard (Trey) Smith, III, Benjamin Smith and five great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:30 am on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Vincent De Paul, 222 Dodge Avenue, Corning, NY with Father Patrick Connor officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Corning on Saturday, April 16 at 11:00 am. Calling hours will be Friday, April 15 from 4-7 PM at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. First Street, Corning, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Parish, 222 Dodge Avenue, Corning, NY 14830; Sts. Isidore & Maria Torribia Parish, 51 Maple St., Addison, NY 14801 and CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14830. .