Mary Jane Smith, 83

Mary Jane (Tudy) Smith, 83, died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2021, at her home with her loving family at her side. Smith, who was born in Schenectady and lived her entire life there, was the daughter of the late Ethel and William Osterhout, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1956. Smith was employed by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance until she became a wife and the mother of eight children. Smith was not only a wonderful mother and wife, but also a woman who cared about her community and her church. Smith spent countless hours in service to others and was a member and president of the Women’s Democratic Club.

She also was a CSJ associate and a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was active in the local Little League, serving four terms as president of J.C. Little League Ladies Auxiliary, raising funds through the concession stand to support Little League baseball. Smith’s love for her faith and desire to help others led her to do remarkable things for her parish of St. Luke’s in Schenectady. Smith volunteered at St. Luke’s School, was a lunch lady, did field trips with the children and a big part of the CYO basketball program. Smith was a Eucharistic minister, a visitation minister, a reader at Mass, an RCIA instructor, a religious education teacher and a member of the Rosary Society.

Smith is best known for her work as the coordinator of the St. Luke’s Daily Bread Food Pantry for more than 25 years. Smith nurtured and built upon the efforts of the people who volunteered to help feed the community. Smith genuinely loved people, seeing the face of God in everyone. She leaves behind an inspired group of volunteers — willing to go the extra mile to help others — at the second largest food pantry in Schenectady County, which is a vibrant and vital part of the community.

Smith is survived by her husband of 65 years, William Smith, and their children, Colleen Gulli (John), Kathleen Culpepper (Keith), Billie Smith, Joseph Smith (Jackie) and Timothy Smith (Terri). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, as well as her brothers, Richard Osterhout (Jane) and James Osterhout (Christine), and our close family friends. Smith is predeceased by her parents, siblings, William Osterhout, John Osterhout, Catherine Dobiesz, and her sons, Patrick Smith, William Smith and Daniel Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 5, 2022 at St. Luke’s with interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Schenectady. Memorial contributions in Smith’s name may be made to: St. Luke’s Daily Bread Food Pantry, 1241 State St., Schenectady N.Y., 12304, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.