C. Marie Smithgall

Marie Smithgall

Catherine Marie Smithgall, 98, of Perry, New York, passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Although her given name was Catherine, she was known as Marie from the day she was born. To her family, she was simply Marie-or, as many of us affectionately called her, Sister Marie, a name that somehow fit her perfectly.

Born April 18, 1928, Marie was the daughter of Charlie and Margaret Fisher. She graduated from Caledonia-Mumford High School and spent her life building a family and a home centered around faith, love, and togetherness.

Marie was a devoted and faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She met the love of her life, Robert Eder Smithgall, while square dancing. They married and shared many wonderful years together raising their family, traveling, spending time with friends, especially Julie Barone and Marion Sturm, and making countless memories until Bob's passing in 2007.

Marie was undoubtedly the matriarch of the family. She was the person at the center of so many family gatherings, traditions, stories and memories. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved nothing more than having everyone together.

Marie was sharp and quick-witted right until the very end. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong personality and unforgettable one liners.

For her grandchildren, some of her fondest memories will always be of Grandma Marie calling them home for dinner. When they were off playing or working in the barns, the sound of Marie ringing the dinner bell meant it was time to come in and eat. That bell was a familiar sound and a sure sign that Grandma had a meal waiting.

Marie was known for her homemade bread, rolls and cookies, and her kitchen was a place where memories were made as often as meals. Her grandchildren also have their own special memories, including the time-honored tradition of stealing ice cream from the Schwan's truck deliveries. Somehow, Grandma's ice cream always seemed to disappear a little faster when the grandchildren were around.

Marie insisted she never played favorites among her children. Her sons, however, would happily argue to this day about who was actually in first place.

Marie was a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Perry, and her faith remained an important part of her life.

Bob was a dairy farmer, and Marie was integral part of supporting Old Acres, the family farm. Her dedication, hard work and commitment helped sustain the farm and the family she loved.

Marie is survived by her five children: Tom Smithgall and his wife, Corrine; Steve Smithgall and his wife, Paulette; Karen Wyant (Rick Luce) and her late husband, Donald Wyant; Dave Smithgall and his wife, Mindy; and Linda Elliott and her husband, Dave. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, her beloved baby brother, Dick Fisher of Caledonia, and many nieces and nephews.

Marie loved her baby brother dearly, even if Dick had a particular talent of telling jokes that seemed to amuse only himself. He kept everyone wondering what he was going to say next, and Marie loved him through every joke, every story and every bit of mischief.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Margaret Fisher; her beloved husband, Robert Eder Smithgall; her brother, Gene Fisher and her dear sister, Helen Ward.

She will be missed at every family gathering, in every garden, around every holiday table, and every time someone hears a dinner bell or says, "Better days ahead, deary."

Family and friends are invited to call from 3-6pm on Sunday September 13th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home 98 North Main St. in Perry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday September 14th at 10am at St. Mary's Catholic Church 4 Avon-Geneseo Rd. in Geneseo.

Marie will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation (Activities Fund) 400 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569.