Obituary of Shirley Smith

Shirley Mae Smith, age 92, of Dryden, NY passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Hospicare of Ithaca. Through her journey of 92 years, she touched many lives with her love, kindness, compassion, and devotion to her friends and family.

Shirley was born April 26, 1933, in Hunts Corners, NY, a daughter of the late Benjamin Harrison Robinson and Elizabeth (Hunt) Robinson. She graduated from Watkins Glen High School. Later, she worked at National Cash Register (NCR) in Ithaca, State University of New York at Cortland, and eventually retired from Cornell Health located at Cornell University.

Shirley loved to go out with friends and family round and square dancing above the Harford Town Hall and at the Cortland Country Music Park. She was known to be an exceptional seamstress making wedding dresses for her daughters. Shirley especially enjoyed her Wednesday morning breakfasts with family and friends at Casper’s Restaurant in Groton. As a member of Harmony United Methodist Church in Harford, NY she always enjoyed helping out and participating in church activities. Shirley loved her large family and always enjoyed spending time with them.

In addition to Shirley’s parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Thomas Kress; second husband Edward Smith; committed partner George Clark; two brothers, Osco Robinson and B. Harry Robinson Jr.; one sister Lena (Bettie) Pittsley.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Gunner Kress and wife Bonnie Eldred-Kress of Groton: three daughters and two sons-in law, Tina and husband Richard Jencks of Groton City, Heidi and husband Ken Belles of Moravia, and Katrina Randall of Dryden.

Shirley’s family consists of four children, 16 grandchildren, and many, many great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind special friends Lisa and Tim Frost who were always there for Shirley and her family whenever needed.

Services for Shirley are planned for April 11th. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Harmony United Methodist Church in Harford, NY. There will be a Memorial Service at the church immediately following visitation. Harmony United Methodist Church will be hosting a meal celebrating Shirley’s life at Harford Town Hall beginning at noon.

Shirley will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely and the joy she brought to all those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Harmony United Methodist Church in Harford, NY or Hospicare of Ithaca, NY.