ROCKLAND – Lucy R. Smith, 78, died Monday, July 17, 2006, surrounded by her family at Knox Center for Long Term Care. Born April 21, 1928, in Thomaston, she was the daughter of James and Sadie Benner McLaughlin. Lucy was educated in local schools, graduating from Rockland High School. Immediately after graduation, Lucy married Kenneth E. Smith, Dec. 24, 1946, at the home of her parents. The couple made their home in Rockland and raised their two children there. After their children started school, Mrs. Smith went to work for Van Baalen as a stitcher and floor lady. She was employed there for 26 years before leaving to open a business with her husband. It was then that Lucy and Kenneth opened “Smitty’s Welding Works” in Rockland. Lucy not only kept the books for the shop, but became an accomplished machinist and assisted with many projects. For many years Lucy was a member and district deputy matron of the Order Eastern Star and Goldenrod Chapter, Rockland. She enjoyed traveling all over the state with that organization. Mrs. Smith was also an avid gardener. The fruits of her labor were seen by Rockland residents for years, as she maintained and cared for the flower gardens outside McDonald’s on Maverick Street. Mrs. Smith was predeceased by her daughter, Brenda Pitt; and her son, William Smith. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth E. Smith of Rockland; four grandchildren, William Smith and his wife, Heather, of Rockport, Michael Smith and his wife, Rhonda, of Thomaston, Kimberly Leonard and her husband, Dean, of Appleton and Jeannie Pitt of Florida; a sister, Valerie Emery of Wisconsin; a brother, Frank McLaughlin of New York; a daughter-in-law, Diana Smith of Rockland; and a son-in-law, William Pitt of Rockland. A graveside celebration of Lucy’s life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Rockville Cemetery, Route 17, Rockport, with the Rev. Robert Bell officiating. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
LUCY R. SMITH
