Constance L. Smith

Connie was born November 1st, 1939 in Albany, New York, to Robert T. and Margaret Atwater. After her mother’s passing when Connie was one year old, she was lovingly raised by her sister Ruth and later by her stepmother Dorothy (née Preston) Atwater.

As a young child Connie lived in Greenville, NY, New Berlin, NY, and then in Sherburne, NY where she graduated from Sherburne Central School in 1957. From 1958-1980 she was married to Andrew Csiha, and moved to Utica, NY where they had four children. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1982 she married Keith Smith, who brought three children to the family.

Connie made Chenango County, NY her home for most of her life, living in Sherburne, Norwich, McDonough and Oxford. She briefly lived in Oklahoma and in Florida, spending the later part of her life in Norwich enjoying time with her family.

After retiring from NBT of Norwich, she gave back to the community by volunteering with Literacy Volunteers of America and the Domestic Abuse Hotline. She spent her free time traveling by car or train to various parts of the country. She enjoyed working with stained glass and quilting and loved trivia and learning what she called useless bits of information.

Connie made those she met feel at ease, often softening people with warmth and humor and was loved dearly by those close to her. She was a loving mother to her children, as well as her kindness, thoughtfulness, and consideration to the lives and feelings of others. She will be remembered for her generosity, quick wit and the belief that any day is made better by french fries and dessert.

Connie is predeceased by her parents Robert T. and Margaret Atwater; stepmother Dorothy Atwater; sisters Margaret “Peggy” Atwater, and Ruth Bigelow and brother Robert P. Atwater; husband Keith Smith and first husband Andrew Csiha, Sr.; son Thomas Csiha; stepdaughter Juli Smith; and granddaughter Savannah Williams.

She is survived by her children, Veronica Palmer (Tom Donnelly), Andrew Csiha, Jr. (Sandy), and Shari Williams (Mark); her stepdaughters, Ruth Smith and Khara Phetteplace; her grandchildren, Dawn Csiha, Marissa Csiha, Sarah Oblander (Ross), Zachary Williams (Katy), and Alexander Williams (Christie Foster); her great-grandchildren, Esper Phillips, Lillian Phillips, Fletcher Shalna, Walter Shalna, Landon Williams, Paisley Williams, and Eve Numerosi.

The family would like to express gratitude for the years of compassionate care and friendship that Jackie Barrows gave to Connie for over five years.

At Connie’s request, there will be no public service. A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Chenango County.