Dawn M Smith

Dawn M. Smith, an Agriculture Department program manager who retired in March 1993, died January 13 at her home surrounded by family and friends. Daughter of Albert and Verna Smith. The cause of death was COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Dawn was born in Kunkletown, PA, and graduated from Stephen S. Palmer High School, Palmerton, PA in 1954 with a desire to see the world. To accomplish this objective, she joined the Women's Army Corp and was stationed in Germany at the U.S. Garrison near Heidelberg. Her last active duty station was Ft. Myer, VA in 1957 when she became a lifetime resident of the Falls Church-Fairfax area.

After leaving active duty, Ms. Smith attended Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, DC where she received her Associate degree from National Louis University. Dawn continued her military career in the Army Reserves and retired as a Sergeant 1st Class in February 1994. She will be interred in the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Ms. Smith was an accomplished French Horn player in high school and a member of several local orchestras in the Northern Virginia area. She enjoyed extensive trips with family and friends touring the United States and Europe. She also loved doing jigsaw puzzles, playing golf, cards and games (especially mahjong) and the camaraderie she received with these activities.

Ms. Smith's accomplishments were a model to all who witnessed her development of a career and social life. She purchased a home at a time when doing so was extremely challenging and difficult for women. Her loyalty and support to her family and friends was heartfelt and endured throughout her life. She was intelligent and funny. It was a privilege and honor for all who were a part of her life.

Survivors include her sister Janet and her husband Clayton McFarland, of Marlton, NJ, sister Joan and husband Frank Smida of Bethlehem, PA, and her brother, Glenn A. Smith of Albuquerque, NM, six nieces, one nephew. She was predeceased by a sister Jean, wife of Robert Deppe, Bath, PA.