Obituary of Denise M. Smith

ONEIDA . . . Denise M. Smith, 72, of Oneida, NY, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at her home in the early morning hours surrounded by her immediate family. Denise was born in Canastota on October 20, 1951. She was the first child of Joseph DeFazio and Dolores (Neroni) DeFazio. She attended local schools and graduated from Canastota High School in 1969. Denise was well liked and was President of the girl's club KE Society in her senior year. After graduation she attended Hudson Valley Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY, earning an associate's degree. Denise accepted a position with the Madison County ARC in 1972. She was employed there for 42 years. She started as an aide in the preschool program and upon getting married in June of 1979 to Alden Max Smith of Oneida, she added the position of House Parent in the newly created community residence in Wampsville, NY. She was passionate about formerly institutionalized people living happy lives in the community and she and her new husband lived as an extended family with 10 residents there. When she was blessed with the birth of a little girl, that new child expanded the family to 13 souls. Denise ended her career as the Assistant Director of the now Madison Cortland ARC residential program. First and foremost, Denise loved her husband and her two children, Julia and Maxwell. She loved Italian food, music of many genres, and traveling on vacations which she planned extensively. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Max Smith; two children, Julia Dolores Spohn of Oneida, and Maxwell Joseph Smith of Oneida; three grandchildren, Micah Spohn, Nolan Spohn, and Lucia Spohn; one brother, Joseph DeFazio of Sherrill, NY; a sister in law, Loleta Dorsett of Oneida; an aunt, Eleanor (Peggy) DeFazio of Canastota; an uncle, Frederick Meyers formerly of Canastota; four nieces and one nephew. Denise will be remembered for her kindness and her gracious spirit. She touched the lives of so many people in a positive way, and will be missed by all who knew her and shared in her life. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in Peterboro Cemetery. In her memory, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, with envelopes available at the funeral home.