Matilda Smith

Matilda Janet Snelling Smith departed this life surrounded by loved ones on May 2, 2015. Til was born in Hartford, CT on September 26, 1926 to Dr. Pinckney Welch Snelling and Sarah Johnston Snelling. She graduated from the Chaffee School in Windsor, CT, and from Wheaton College in Norton, MA, with a degree in Art History. She also earned a degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD, where she met and married Dr. Edwin Ide Smith on March 31, 1951. Their happy marriage lasted 52 years and produced three children. Til and Ide made dear friends and participated actively in many communities, including Baltimore, San Francisco, Nashville, Boston, Norfolk, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Dallas. They also had many friends in the Lilliputian Surgical Society and other medical associations. She enjoyed cultural events, tennis, and travel until very recently. Faith and service to others was an essential part of her life and gave her hope as she faced the end.

Til was preceded in death by her husband Ide, her parents, her sister Madeline, her brother Christopher, and her sister-in-law Carol Mae Herndon. She is survived by her children Sarah and Bobby Crotty of Dallas, TX, Susie and Pete Thurmond of Cheyenne, OK, and Charlie and Diana Smith of Salina, KS; her grandchildren Bobby and Noël Crotty, Becky and Bayard Friedman, Katie and Nick Archer, Allison and Scott Quinlan, and Patrick Thurmond and Caroline Hymel; her great-grandchildren Xander Archer and Harry Friedman; and her devoted companion Ben Alvord. She is also survived by her sister Sarah Powers, sister-in-law Joye Wilhide, and numerous other family and friends.

The family is grateful for the care and kindness given to her by the staff at The Plaza at Edgemere, Faith Presbyterian Hospice, and Monica Jones.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at St. Michael and All Angels Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s, 8011 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX, 75225, or to the charity of your choice.