Molly A. Smith

Molly Ann Smith, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on August 1, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Bellefonte, PA, on April 7, 1929 to John Augustus Shaughnessy and Martha Wian Shaughnessy. She charmed the small town as a beautiful cheerleader and served as an operator with the Bell Telephone Company. Molly met the love of her life, George Lee Smith, at Bellefonte High School and they were married in June 1953. Lee’s decorated 28-year career in the U.S. Navy took them around the world including Bangkok, Thailand and her favorite tour in Newport, Rhode Island. They retired in Vienna, VA and enjoyed 30 years of summers and weekends at their beach house in Fenwick Island, DE. Molly often marveled at the exciting life she and Lee were blessed with as the Navy took them far from home – making life-long friends, serving their country, and throwing many cocktail parties.

Molly was most proud of the family she and Lee raised including daughters Debbie Smith and Kimberly Ann Beatrice (Mike) and sons Charles Scott Smith (Cate) and John Thomas Smith (Sholeh Kia). She is also survived by granddaughters Mary Parrotta (Anthony), Sarah Brown (Michael), and Bethany Smith and great-grandchildren Eva and Maisie Parrotta and Cooper Brown. Molly was a wonderful and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sibling whose devoted and loving family serve as her and Lee’s legacy. She will be dearly missed by family and friends who wish they could share one more Penn State football game, cup of coffee on the beach house deck, or happy hour with her.

Molly will be laid to rest alongside her husband Lee, who died in 2000, at a private graveside ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Molly’s generous spirit and raise a glass of wine with those you cherish.