Julia K. Smith

Julia Kay (Sanderson) Smith, age 76, of Elmira, NY formerly of Schoharie, NY passed away on Thursday evening, July 3rd at her home with her family. Julia was born in Chester, PA on June 30th, 1938, to the late parents of Stanley and Virginia (Forrest) Sanderson, and was the younger sister of Virginia (Sanderson) Matthews.A 1955 graduate of Bogota High School, she then attended Maryville College where she met her future husband Robert Smith and continued onto Farleigh Dickinson University earning her English and Philosophy degree. Julia and Robert were married on New Year’s Day, 1960, in Germantown, MD. Robert’s ministry led them to Alaska, Pittsburg, Detroit, Chicago, and Washington D.C. finally settling down in Schoharie, NY in 1970, only moving to Elmira, NY in 2012. Julia’s children and grandchildren are Stephen (deceased), husband of Susanne (Lansing), Hayden and Harrison of Whitesboro, NY; David and Donna (Lucas), Emma Rose of Reading, PA; Mark of Goodland, FL; Jonathan and Denise (Allen), Zackary and Alexander of Seward, NY; Amy and Peter Finnerty, Andrew, Patrick and Alisaundre of Elmira, NY. Julia was a lover of children, books, artistry, flowers, and birds. Julia always maintained her sweet and simple demeanor for daily living, displaying incredible strength and an unwavering faith in God.She continuously possessed grace and demonstrated her thoughtfulness and selflessness by caring for all living things. Julia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira, and previously a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Albany, Duanesburg Christ Episcopal Church, and Schoharie United Presbyterian Church. Details of a funeral service to be held at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, Julia hopes that we find the inspiration to share acts of kindness with others, not just in her memory, but in our daily lives. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support received in many forms from too many people to name individually, but included the Care First (Hospice) team, Caregivers, and Dr. Penfield and her nurse Kathy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY. Julia's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com