Sara Anne Winges Smith, 78, returned to her Creator on January 11, 2018. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, graduated from Fern Creek High School and attended Transylvania University before returning home to graduate from the University of Louisville where she met Dr. Richard Smith, the love of her life. They eventually moved to New Albany where they played an active role and enjoyed its small town ambience. During her lifetime, she claimed many friends who received her care and companionship, appreciating her infectious vivacity and sense of humor. Her sharp wit and sense of fun insured her a welcome wherever she went.
Sara gravitated toward the traditional way of life but was practical in adapting to new approaches. She loved to text and in that way kept in close contact with her daughter, Eileen. She had numerous domestic talents, one of which was cooking. At the Kentucky State Fair, she won numerous ribbons for her baking skills. An expert at living with simplicity, she sewed much of the clothing in her wardrobe, mended household items, reupholstered rather than tossing, and she insisted on hanging out her laundry to sun dry. She relished antique stores and yard sales, always adept at spotting a bargain. She enjoyed her garden, especially the tomatoes, and tended it with care.
Passionate about music, both as listener and participant, she played the flute in high school and regularly performed at worship at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was a devoted member. With her keen intellect and sense of curiosity, she took advantage of opportunities to learn and lead in various organizations – the Floyd County Museum Alliance, Amaranth Club and Alpha Club, and the Silver Hills Historical Society.
The source of her energy and zest for living was her profound love for her husband, who was her best friend; and daughter, who was always a delight to her mother. She was devoted to Jerry, her son-in-law, and Thomas, her grandson. They gave her life purpose as she engaged in the beauty of living fully.
Those who went before her are her husband, Dr. Richard Smith; her mother, Sara Katherine O’Connor Winges; her father, Charles Jacob Winges; and her half-brother, David Winges. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Eileen Kerry Smith Britton; son-in-law, Jerry Britton; grandson, Thomas Britton; sister-in-law, Mary Winges; and nephews, Mark (Mary) and Bruce (Bonnie) Winges.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 3 pm ~ 8 pm Tuesday at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, IN. Her Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New Albany. She will be buried privately next to her husband in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Corydon, IN.
Donations in Sara Smith’s memory may be made to: Hartman-Baity House New Albany Restoration Project, Indiana Landmarks Southern Regional Office, 115 W. Chestnut St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130.
Online condolences may be left at www.kraftfuneralservice.net.
