Rebecca Joan Smith

Rebecca Joan Smith, age 74, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 in the comfort of her home. Rebecca (Becky) was born January 16, 1945 in Troy, Ohio to George and Jean May. She was a graduate of Troy High School, class of 1963, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1967 with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and a minor in Literature. Rebecca worked at the University of Michigan Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Ohio State University Hospital. While she worked in variety of medical fields, her passion and focus was cardiology and geriatrics. Rebecca was involved with the first human heart transplant in the United States at the University of Michigan Hospital. She met her husband Philip at the University of Michigan, where they quickly fell in love and married in June 1968. Rebecca and Philip resided in Upper Arlington, where they raised three children. Rebecca loved to volunteer and help those in need. She regularly volunteered at food pantries in Columbus and southeast Ohio. She adored dogs and operated a small dog sitting business while caring for her own furry friends. She also enjoyed hikes in Hocking Hills and her relentless pursuit of morel mushrooms. Rebecca was a gentle soul, with a light-hearted sense of humor, and she adored her husband and children deeply. Everyone who crossed her path had nothing but kind, positive things to say about her. Rebecca's smile truly lit up a room. Rebecca is survived by her husband of 51 years, Philip Smith; sons Alexander Smith (Lisa) of Albuquerque, NM, Adam Smith of Miami Beach, FL, and daughter Adrienne Earley (Jason) of Grandview Heights, OH; grandson Lucas Earley; sister Suzanne Royer of Troy, OH; and all of her adoring nieces and nephews. Donations in Rebecca's name can be made to the Columbus Humane Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard, OH 43026. Family will receive friends and extended family at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221 on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be held 10 am Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at Schoedinger Funeral Home, followed by burial at Union Cemetery.