Sandra J. "Sandy" Smith

Sandra J. Smith - Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Sandra J. Smith of Campbell, NY at the age of 78.
Sandy passed away at home in the loving presence of her husband Stephen Smith Friday, February 21, 2025. Sandy fought long and hard against PSP, a truly insidious disease that eventually took her life. The disease may have taken her life, but she kept her spirit until the very end.
Born on September 21, 1946 in Bridgeport, CT, she was the daughter of David Oliver and Helen (DeMaris) Johnson.
She is survived by her beloved husband Stephen Smith of Campbell, NY; children: Christopher (Kristi) Smith of Cross Hill, SC, Brian (Karena) Smith of Campbell, NY; grandchildren: Kaitlin (Alex) Williams, Gabriel Smith, Mackenzie (Filipe) Mendonca, Keegan Smith; sister: Sharon Cutliff of Millville, NJ; along with a loving brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends that are considered family.
Sandy was predeceased by her grandson, Noah Smith and her parents, Ollie and Helen Johnson.
Sandy was a distinguished graduate of Millville High School in New Jersey. She later attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where she met Stephen Smith and their life together began. As his wife, best friend and lover for 60 wonderful years they raised a beautiful family together. Her pride and joy was her family, along with the extensive friend group that they built over the years through the many organizations that they were a part of.
Sandy would later obtain an Associates degree from Corning Community College in business.
Which supported her 28 year career at Campbell Savona Central school district, first as secretary to the high school principal then as the District Treasurer. Sandy enjoyed telling people that she signed Steves checks so he worked for her.
Sandy and Steve both retired from their careers at Campbell-Savona H.S. in August 2002. After retirement they spent half of the year on their farm in Thurston and enjoyed wintering on Jekyll Island, Georgia. As a lover of the beach this was a great joy of hers. Sandy was involved in many organizations such as the Jekyll Island Arts Association, Potters Guild, St Simons Garden Club, Jekyll Island Ladies Golf Association (where she served as treasurer) and sang with the Jekyll singers. She leaves behind an extensive group of friends on the island that she considered family.
One of her greatest attributes was her freedom of laughter. Whether in a packed auditorium or surrounded by her family and friends you could always hear the reverberation of her joyful spirit. That joyful spirit was in everything that she did; from her smile to the mischief that she created in the kitchen with her grandchildren, to the many creative projects she enjoyed, Sandy always exuded pure positivity and childlike wonder. She will be dearly missed by all that she left behind.
The family will welcome relatives and friends to Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning, NY on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, no service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandys name may be sent to: Michael J. Fox Foundation by visiting www.give.michaeljfox.org
Service Details
Visitation
When
Saturday, March 1st, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location
Phillips Funeral Home
Address
17 W. Pulteney Street
Corning, New York 14830 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sandra J. 'Sandy' Smith, please visit our Tree Store.