Obituary of Gertrude R. Smith

On Saturday, December 3, 2022, Gertrude Smith passed away at the age of 91. Gert was born in Milford, PA to Walter and Helen Ridley. Gert was preceded in death by her first husband Jack Stead and by her second husband Arthur Smith to whom she was married to for over 42 years.

Gertrude leaves behind her sons, Michael Stead of Dingmans Ferry, PA, John Stead of Hawley, PA, Joseph Stead of Shohola, PA; daughter, Margaret Mary Merlucci of Centerville, GA; stepdaughters, Carol Kelley of Millsboro, DE, Karen Boomer of Hilo, HI and Lisa Bickel of Hugenot, NY; siblings, Patricia Taylor, Floyd Ridley, Robert Ridley and Richard Ridley; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her stepson, Craig Smith; grandson, Tyler Stead and siblings, Billy Ridley, Arthur Ridley, Marilyn Hunt, “Jonny Boy” Ridley and Harold O’Brien.

Gert had many interests and activities throughout her life, and it was important for her to be involved with her community. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. Helping to organize the yearly clam bake fundraiser at the Matamoras Recreation Department was special to her.

Gert was a Pike County Jury Commissioner and member of the Town Council in 1997, she also was involved with the Matamoras Borough Council and the Matamoras Democratic Committee.

Being involved with youngest son, Joe Stead and his family with the Golf Outings that were held at Cliff Park Golf Course created many happy memories for her along with everyone else.

Gert spent over 20 years employed as a Private Duty / Certified Home Health Care Giver. She showed a special and very genuine talent in the way that she cared for her patients. This was a huge part of who she was as a wise and caring person.

Her wisdom and spirit along with the love she shared for her family and friends are what made her the “pillar” of the family. There has never been a “Holiday” or a “Regular” day where Gert wasn’t there with a smile, a hug, and an open door for everyone. She loved cooking for everyone especially her grandchildren who she cherished with all of her heart. Gert was always there no matter what was going on in life, and she will be missed at every moment, but remembered with so much love and respect.

She enjoyed bird watching, and collecting beautiful bird houses. Gardening was her passion, both flowers and vegetables. Although, she was particularly partial to a “Pennsylvania Tomato”, and she did grow beautiful “coral” colored roses in her rose garden. Her neighbor Wendy was her best friend, and her beautiful daughter Maggie was truly her rock.

Friends may call at the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W. Harford Street, Milford, PA on December 7, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 8 PM with Rev. Mark Kunigonis officiating.

Cremation will be private at convenience to the family at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford Twp., PA. Burial will take place in Milford Cemetery, Dingman Twp., PA, at a later date

Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W. Harford St., Milford, PA (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com).