Mary Elizabeth Smith

Mary Elizabeth Smith, "Bettye," formerly of Bala Cynwyd, Pa, died on Dec. 24, 2012 in Annapolis, MD. Bettye was the daughter of David Low Crocker and Mary Elizabeth Crocker (nee Burkhardt) of Lansdowne, PA. Born Oct. 5, 1939, Bettye graduated from Drexel University in 1961 with a degree in "Fashion Design." She married John Walter Smith of Bala Cynwyd, PA on Sep. 16, 1961. For over five years after graduation, she worked as a fashion designer for Macy's in New York City. For over 40 years, Bettye volunteered at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair raising money for The Bryn Mawr Hospital. She served as Chairman of the Derby, Midway, Information, and Programs committees. Since Oct. 7, 1982, Bettye was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). She was President of the Dr. Benjamin Rush Chapter, attending numerous national conventions in Washington, DC. Bettye was also a member of the Daughters of the British Empire in the United States of America as her father was first-generation from Glasgow, Scotland. As an experienced Bridge player, Bettye played several times a month with friends, as well as directed several clubs around Philadelphia over the years. Bettye was also a self-trained architect and home builder, designing numerous properties, and personally designing and building a library addition on her Bala Cynwyd home of 32 years. As a devoted dog owner, Bettye kept and bred AKC-certified Lhasa Apsos, raising several dozen puppies over a 10 year period. Her last pet, a rabbit named "Bertie," misses her dearly. SURVIVORS: Bettye is survived by husband John and son Andrew C. Smith in Annapolis, MD; daughter-in-law Pamela J. Luby; grandchildren William C. Smith and Katherine M. Smith; brother David L. Crocker, sister-in-law Patricia, and nephew Daniel of Woodstock, VT; and numerous cousins in Willow Grove, PA, Scotland, and Spain. SERVICES: Funeral services were held at the Upper Dublin Lutheran Church (411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA, 19002) on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 10:30 AM. Burial was at her family plot in the adjoining Rose Hill Cemetery. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Bettye's name to the Upper Dublin Lutheran Church or the Great Valley Chapter of the D.A.R.