Evangeline was born in Chicago, IL on September 19, 1926 to parents, Katherine Weirbach Wright and Neville Wright, who nicknamed her Nookie. She graduated from Bryn Athyn High School in 1945. Vannie attended Bryn Athyn College graduating with a degree in Education in 1950.
During the depression years, Evangeline worked at the Glenview Naval Base. When Vannie returned to Bryan Athyn for her college years she nannied for the Pendleton children in Carinwwod. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Oliver Minard Smith. They married in Glenview, IL in 1951. A year later, they moved to Rockledge and started their family. While Minard worked on his stained glass, Vannie was busy raising her children and tutoring students. They spent the next 51 years together enjoying their family before his death in 2003.
Vannie loved her music, history and read constantly. She stayed up with current events by ready the daily newspaper cover to cover every day! She was cheerful, sharp and humorous to the end.
Evangeline will be greatly missed by her children; Laurie, Charlie (Diane), Sidney (Karen) and Kathleen; her 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Douglas and Dan.
A memorial service for Evangeline will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 at 4:00pm (preludes/special music beginning at 3:40pm) at Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009.
The service will also be livestreamed at: brynathynchurch.org/cathedral/live-services/
A gathering will follow in the Social Hall immediately following the service
In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution to the Rockledge Volunteer Company, 505 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge PA 19046
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wrgrantfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.
