Viola D. "Vi" Smith

Viola D. Smith – Mother, Educator and Active Volunteer Viola D. (Vi) Smith of New Providence died peacefully at home on October 27, 2020. She was the wife of the late Robert V. Smith, to whom she was married for over 60 years. Her warm and generous spirit will always be remembered by her family and many friends. Vi was born on June 12, 1928 in Newark, the daughter of Michael and Julia Dastice. She was predeceased by her sister Anna. A graduate of Douglass College, Vi was employed by the New Providence School District as the Coordinator for Community Relations and Publications prior to her retirement. She was a member of the NJ Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association. Vi’s genuine concern for others led her to numerous volunteer roles. She served as a volunteer classroom aide in the New Providence elementary schools for many years. She also volunteered at TV36, the community television outlet and at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, as well as serving on the Social Concerns Committee at St. Teresa of Avila Church. She led a very active life and enjoyed tennis, aerobics, bridge, crossword puzzles, theatre, and Christmas celebrations with her family. She had a great interest in jazz, and her final weeks were greatly enriched by many virtual concerts. She and her husband traveled extensively, particularly to Kiawah Island, SC and her beloved Cape Cod. Mostly, she cherished the company of her immediate family and grandchildren, and time spent with many friends. A resident of New Providence since 1955, she is survived by her three sons: Robert K. and his wife Amy of Morristown, NJ, Richard of Newtown, PA and David and his wife Elizabeth, of Cranston, RI. She was also a devoted grandmother to David, Christine (Jacob), Paige (Sam), Julia and Emma. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Homeside Hospice, Visiting Angels and Lantern Hill Senior Living Community for their care and support during Vi’s last months. Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 4-7 PM at the Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, Summit, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 9:30 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit, with burial to follow at Graceland Memorial, Kenilworth, NJ. (Due to Covid restrictions on public gatherings 50 people will be allowed inside the funeral home at a time. Facemasks and social distancing are required inside the funeral home and at church.). For those who wish to view the livestream please visit the following link https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass---viola-d-smith-nv95f5zcnye7ba4woiyq beginning on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 9:30 AM. Please visit ippolitofuneralhomes.com for additional information and to send the family condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey would be appreciated. https://cfbnj.org/