Obituaries
Remembering Patricia Jane Smith of Shaftsbury
Patricia Jane Smith, 84, a resident of Ledgely Drive in Shaftsbury, Vermont, passed away with both daughters at her side on June 21, 2026, at Albany Medical Center.Born on October 11, 1941, in Freeport, Long Island, New York, Patricia was…
Key points
- Patricia Jane Smith, 84, passed away in Albany, NY, surrounded by family.
- She was a long-time resident of Shaftsbury and a former owner of the Bayberry Motel.
- Visitation will be held at Devlin Funeral Home in Bennington on June 25, 2026.
Residents of Shaftsbury and surrounding areas are mourning the loss of Patricia Jane Smith, a beloved member of the community who passed away on June 21, 2026, at Albany Medical Center. Patricia, 84, spent her final moments surrounded by both of her daughters.
Born on October 11, 1941, in Freeport, Long Island, New York, Patricia was the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Zeiher. After graduating from Mepham High School in North Bellmore, she married James W. Smith on September 10, 1982. The couple relocated to Vermont in the early 1980s, where they purchased and operated the Bayberry Motel in Shaftsbury for many years.
A Life of Creativity and Community
Prior to her move to Vermont, Patricia worked as a key punch operator and switchboard operator. After settling in Bennington County, she became the Craft Department Manager at Walmart when it first opened, a position she held until retirement. Known for her artistic talents, Patricia enjoyed quilting, painting, and gardening, and was an active member of a local quilting club.
Patricia was also known for her adventurous cooking and baking skills, often surprising family and friends with her creative culinary ideas. She cherished her lifelong friendships, especially those with Helen Stevens and Carol Rossi from Long Island, maintaining close connections throughout her life.
Family and Legacy
Patricia was a proud mother and grandmother, finding immense joy in her family. She is survived by her daughters, Ellen Koch Palmer and Catherine Taylor (Michael McKinney), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward to welcoming her twin great-grandsons later this summer.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Devlin Funeral Home in Bennington on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in North Bennington at 12:30 p.m., with a graveside service to take place afterward at the church cemetery.
Online condolences can be shared at Devlin Funeral Home.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Devlin Family Funeral Home (Bennington, VT). Read the original story.
