Elizabeth "Betty" Smith

Elizabeth M. "Betty" (Grigaitis) Smith, 88, of Worcester, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2015, in Saint Vincent Hospital. Her loving husband of fifty-three years, James E. Smith, predeceased her in January 2004. Elizabeth is survived by her children, including two daughters, Elizabeth A. Foley and her husband Robert G. Foley of West Boylston, and Theresa M. Smith of Worcester; three sons, Edward C. Smith and his wife Linda of Worcester, James M. Smith and his wife Carleen of Jefferson, and William P. Smith and his wife Mary Ellen of Holden; a brother, Harry H. Roy, Jr. of Worcester; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Betty was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Charles and Jennie C. Grigaitis, and has lived here all her life. Betty's father, Charles, died at an early age, and her mother was fortunate to marry Harry R. Roy, the man who would be Betty's "Dad", loving her and raising her as his own daughter. Betty and James raised their children in Worcester. She worked for many years in the Worcester Public School System, Special Education Transportation Group, as an Aide to the physically handicapped. She had previously worked for South Works Credit Union in Worcester. She was a life-long "Grafton Hiller", never moving far from the home where she was born or her beloved Saint Stephen's Church. She served actively on the Parents Advisory Board at the Mercy Center and was very involved in the Worcester Area Association for Retarded Children in the 1960's and 1970's. She loved her family and cherished the special times with them. Dear to her were the trips they took to go camping or spending time in Maine. She also enjoyed her yearly Winter trip with her husband and daughter, Theresa, to Oklahoma, during their retirement years. Betty's family would like to recognize the staff and the residents at the Jewish Healthcare Center, for their loving care and the many wonderful friends she leaves behind. Calling hours for Betty will be held on Wednesday, October 7, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint Stephen's Church, Restoration Fund, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA 01604.