Lorraine M. Smith

Lorraine M. Smith, 90, of North Canton, OH died December 10, 2023 at Bethany Nursing Home in Canton, OH.

Born December 15, 1932 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Carl M. and Lucille Bosworth Damon. She was married on November 9, 1951 to James O. Smith, who predeceased her in 1979.

She was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1950. After graduation, she began a more than 30-year career with the New York Telephone Company. She started as a telephone operator in Salamanca, and subsequently held different positions in Wellsville, Olean, and Williamsville. After retiring from “Ma Bell” she held a few part-time jobs in the Buffalo area, her favorite being a Niagara Falls tour guide. She particularly enjoyed hosting international visitors.

After her retirement, Lorraine enjoyed traveling in the southern United States with her sons and especially her frequent trips to Florida with high school friends. In her last years, she was beset by a number of serious health challenges, and she and her family were deeply touched by the admiration and respect expressed by so many health care professionals for her courage, resilience, and feisty good humor.

Surviving are her sons, Danny P. Smith of Como, MS, and Gary M. (Anthony Pinchot) Smith of North Canton, OH; a grandson, Kasey (Heather) Livingston; step-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Christopher, and Macrina Pinchot; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Roy E. Damon, of Ellicottville.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 11a.m. – 1 p.m., at which time funeral services will be held with Rev. Michael Lonto officiating.

Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Salamanca Historical Society, PO Box 23, Salamanca NY 14779 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.