Obituary of Delores R Smith

Endicott - Delores R. Smith (nee Shandrick), 86, of Endwell, NY, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day after a four-month courageous battle at Wilson UHS Hospital in Johnson City, surrounded by her loving family. Delores is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Donald J. Smith, Sr., daughter Judith Smith and fiance Gary Ferrari of Hoboken, NJ, daughter Donna Parker and husband Randy Parker of Endicott, son Donald J. Smith Jr. and wife Kathleen Smith of Endwell, and son Steven Smith and wife Tammy Smith and Tyler Hilton of Indian Trail, NC. Delores also is survived by three grandchildren she adored -- Randy Parker Jr., Chloe Parker, and Caitlin Smith. Delores is predeceased by sister Jeanie Brosnan of Cunningham, PA and brothers Eddie Shandrick of Drums PA and Larry Shandrick of Hazelton, PA. Born in West Hazelton, PA, Delores lived and worked on a family farm in Drums until 1957, thereafter settling in the Endicott/Endwell area. Delores was a retired nurse's aide who last worked at Endicott Nursing Home in the 1980s & '90s. She was a fond volunteer for Our Lady of Angels CYO, the Union-Endicott Little League, the Vestal Youth Football League, and the U-E High School Booster Club.With a great zest for life, her home in Endwell was a second home to many of the local denizens, often filled with friends and neighbors who regarded her as an institution in the Park Manor neighborhood. Upon becoming Nana, Delores devoted herself to the lives of her young grandchildren, who loved their Nana with all their hearts. Among Delores' most satisfying passions was her joyful allegiance to the New York Yankees. An avid follower of their televised games, and of the Captain #2, she was lauded by family for fusing her love of Christmas and the Yankees with an annual Christmas Yankees Tree decorated with dozens of Yankees collectible ornaments amassed over the years. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 30th at the Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis St., Endwell, from 9:30 am to 11am, directly followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Delores will then be laid to rest at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Our mother was born on All Soul's Day and left us on Christmas, her favorite day of the year. In lieu of flowers, Delores would wish you to contribute to Mercy House.