Alice Dürst Smith

Alice was born in Dübendorf, Switzerland on April 15, 1926. She grew up in Geneva, Switzerland and was very active in the Girl Scouts, becoming a troop leader for younger girls in her late teens. She came to New York City after WWII, when she was 21, and met her future husband, Lewis Smith, on a blind date. They were married September 25, 1948. They had three children, Cathy, Nick and Alan and moved from Long Island to Connecticut, to Pennsylvania, finally settling in Bethesda, Maryland in 1966. They became members of Potomac Presbyterian Church shortly after moving, after seeing a sign at the gas station, and joined despite the fact that it was still meeting in the elementary school basement. Alice was very active in the church, teaching Sunday school and serving as a Deacon and Elder, and was on the Christian Education, Fellowship and Mission committees. She was a volunteer at Collingswood Nursing Home for over 20 years. Alice was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 43 years serving as president, attending conventions and special events. She moved to Asbury Methodist Village in 2001 and continued her dedication to service by delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.

She loved spending time with family and friends and was always the life of the party, including her 100th birthday party earlier this year. She enjoyed many interesting travels, nature, walking along the C&O canal and sitting by the ponds at Asbury, music, theater, playing cards (Jass), Rummikub, bingo, and jigsaw puzzles. She is survived by her children Cathy (Paul) Dawson, Nicholas (Jeanne), Alan (Mary), 8 grandchildren and their spouses, 9 great grandchildren and 12 nephews and nieces whom she loved with all her heart. She was preceded in death by her husband Lewis (1997) and her sister Nicole (2013).

True to her Swiss roots, Alice loved cheese fondue, raclette and Swiss chocolate and was always happy sharing a meal with family and friends. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, joyful approach to life, and her deep love for all her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 11:00 am, and also live streamed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Potomac Presbyterian Church in honor of Alice Smith. Alice and Lewis were active in planning the Memorial Garden at the church, and Alice’s wishes were for donations to support the garden. www.potomacpresbyterian.org/ways-to-give