M. Eileen Smith

Eileen was born July 7th, 1936, in Leroy, New York to Edward and Margaret (Reynolds) Blood. Eileen and Garry lived in Fowlerville, NY for 30 years, raising their four children and making lifelong friends. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, reading, and camping, when she wasn’t supporting her children’s many activities. Eileen was a Hospital Administrator for the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, running the orthopedic and later the anesthesiology department.

Eileen and Garry moved to Brooksville in 1996, where they took full advantage of their retirement, to travel and become involved in social and creative endeavors. Eileen participated in, and held offices in many clubs at Brookridge, including Helping Hands, Crafty Stitchers, Brookridge Women’s Club, and Brookridge Drama Club, where she discovered a new talent, co-writing and directing performances.  Eileen earned her black belt in Tai Chi and became a hospice volunteer and grief counselor. She was an avid reader, lifelong learner, patient teacher, and always, always the first to help a friend or stranger. 

Eileen’s Roman Catholic faith guided her life. She was an active parishioner of St. Thomas Church in Leicester, NY and of St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church in Brooksville, Florida. 

While she treasured each of her children and adored her grandchildren, Eileen consistently brought other people into her family circle. Her capacity for actively caring made her a second mother, sister, and grandparent to many. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Garry C. Smith and son, Kevin S. Smith.

Survivors include her sons & daughter-in-law:  Bruce E. Smith of Brooksville, Florida; Brian H. & Amy Smith of Lima, New York; daughter & son-in-law:  Kathleen & Jim York of East Aurora, New York; brother: William R. Blood of Cumming, Georgia; sisters: Kathryn Shepard of Palm Bay, Florida; Margaret Vickers of Gainesville, Florida; grandchildren: Conrad York, Erin York, Allie Angulo, Spencer Angulo, Brianna Smith.

A celebration of life will take place during the spring of 2022 in Brookridge, Florida per Eileen’s wishes. A private family interment will be held at that time in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where Eileen will join her husband, Garry after a 20 year separation. 

In lieu of flowers, and during a season where there are so many needs, please consider a generous donation to a charity or not-for-profit of your choice in Eileen’s memory. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352) 796-6699

“Family Owned & Operated”

www.merrittfuneral.com