Obituary of Beatrice S. Smyder

Beatrice S. Smyder, 88, of Montour Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 25, 2020. She was born in Montour Falls, NY on September 2, 1932, the daughter of the late Gerald and Kathryn Symes. Beatrice graduated from Watkins Glen, High school and from the Elmira Busines Institute. On July 2, 1955, she married John W. Smyder, Jr. in the Watkins Glen Methodist Church by her grandfather the Reverend Charles Fryer. Beatrice was a self-employed seamstress, bookkeeper and stay at home mom. She was an active member and teacher at the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Watkins Glen. While at the Presbyterian Church, she loved teaching and being part of the congregation. She loved helping with vacation bible school for years, with both churches and always enjoyed getting dirty, painting, playing on the floor and creating craft activities with the children. Anything that would help them learn about Jesus while making it fun. Bea also loved teaching an adult Sunday school class. She always thought that she learned more in the preparation to teach than members of her class. This was a great source of joy for her. Bea loved sewing and knitting. There were many people in town who benefited from her skills as a seamstress, whether it be alterations or a wedding dress. She loved talking and visiting with friends and family. She also loved the beach and enjoyed snorkeling in later years. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen (James) Mathers of Montour Falls; a son, John (Linda) Smyder of Wylie, TX; a brother, Kenneth (Joyce) Symes of Zephyr Hills, FL; two grandchildren, Gregory (Heather) Smyder and Geoffrey (Christa) Smyder; and five great grandchildren, Kyle, Blake, Joanna, Emily and Elizabeth. She was predeceased by her husband, John W. Smyder, Jr. A private graveside service will be held by the family at Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and American Alzheimers Association.