IN MEMORIAM: Bertha I. Smith, 97;

Opened Home to Many Children

MORRIS – Bertha Irene Smith, 97, who opened a home daycare and served as a foster mother, passed away at her home in Morris on November 26, 2019. During her last days she had the comfort and support of her loving family at her side.

Bertha was the daughter of Herman and Genieve Comino, of Town of Maryland. She married Leroy Smith, also of Maryland, on March 29, 1942. Together they had eight children.

Upon moving to the Morris area, Bertha worked alongside of her husband, operating the family dairy farm. Bertha’s love for babies and children led her to devote her life to caring for not only her children, but taking on the job of foster mother to numerous children and babysitting for countless others. Bertha’s life was full of her beloved houseplants, noisy children and many friends and family.

Bertha is survived by seven of her children; sons Gary, Bruce (Tim) and Jeffrey Smith and daughters Imogene Schlee, Donna Falsetta, Carolee Riddell and Tina Simmons, as well as many grand and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband in October of 1999.

Family and friends are invited to visitation hours from 6PM-8PM, Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the Johnston Funeral Home, 60 Broad Street, Morris. A Funeral Service will be held the following day at 10AM at the funeral home with Pastor John Buddle, officiating. Burial will take place at the family’s convenience at the Maryland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you consider a donation to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite #1, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the United Methodist Church, PO Box 246, Morris, NY 13808.

Bertha’s family has trusted her care to the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.johnstonfh.com