Yvette Smith

Yvette Smith (nee Hirschel), 79, of River Vale passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on November 15, 2024. She was born on June 14, 1945, in Bronx, NY to the late Louis and Ruth Hirschel. Yvette attended Christopher Columbus High School. Having met her soulmate David, they married in 1969 at Rego Park in Queens, NY. They built one of the first homes on Lee Court in River Vale, NJ in 1977 and resided there for 47 years.

Together they established a clothing retail business and made it a family affair incorporating work ethic in their sons at a young age. They began selling at flea markets, and eventually founded Rugged Outfitters in 1995. Yvette was not only the co-owner, but also the bookkeeper helping to grow the successful business into what it is today.

Yvette loved to travel to Acapulco every winter with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her love of cross stitching, mahjong, reading, watching tennis, Atlantic City trips, attending her grandkids’ events, and cooking. She cooked for her family every night, and was known for her prime rib nights when extra visitors would make sure to stop in!

Yvette was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, David Smith. She is survived by her sons Todd (Jody) of Wayne, NJ & Craig (Kelly) of Warwick, NY. Loving nanny to her cherished grandchildren Tyler, Brady, Casey, Shea, and Garrett. Treasured and predeceased by her brother, Marc (Paula) Hirschel. She is also survived by several lifelong friends, cousins, niece, and nephew.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Cedar Park Cemetery.