Emma B. (Emmy) Smith died Feb. 22 in Sarasota, Fla. She was 77.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandma, supportive friend and an incredibly impactful soul.

She was born to Clifton and Eleanor Bagley on July 23, 1946 in New York City. She grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., graduated from Scarsdale High School and then moved west to attend Denver University.

It was there that she met the love of her life, James Smith, on a blind date. She affectionately called him Schmitty. They married in 1969, after they graduated. They were both offered teaching jobs and relocated to Burlington, Vt. in pursuit of their educational vocations. They finally settled in Colchester.

Most importantly, Emmy spent every summer of her entire life at her happy place, Martha’s Vineyard. The family home in Oak Bluffs was first built in 1886 and was definitely her favorite place on earth. She welcomed many friends and family to experience the island, stay at the house and fall in love with Martha’s Vineyard. If you stayed with Emmy, you would be guaranteed an island tour all the way to Aquinnah.

She had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher and was the creator of the reading program in Burlington, Vt.

As she and her husband started a family, she committed to being a stay at home mom, raising their children Jessica and Jamie. She enjoyed following and supporting her husband’s and children’s athletic pursuits. She was their number one fan and didn’t miss a single soccer or basketball game of theirs.

She was actively involved as a Girl Scout leader, gardener, cross-country skier, party host and an avid traveler. She found joy in beachcombing, taking photographs and admiring sunsets.

When her children matriculated to college, Emmy found a love of hosting and placing exchange students from all over the world. As an empty nester, she returned to teaching and supporting Title I literacy programs in Colchester, Vt.

She was a caring, accepting and loving individual. She was described as a quiet force, determined and a good listener. Her presence was welcoming, selfless and sharing. She was known for her motherly love and she was like a second mom to many. Emmy was known for her optimistic nature and cheerful disposition.

In 1999 Emmy was featured in a nationally-syndicated Ann Landers column titled Young Mom sends Thanks to Good Samaritan. A mother named Jackie Parks and her two young children were stuck at the Burlington, Vt. airport when their flight got canceled. Ms. Parks wrote in to thank a stranger named Emma Smith who helped them think through travel options and drove them to the ferry to continue their travels, describing Emmy as exemplifying the true spirit of a good Samaritan.

In 2019, the now-retired Smiths finally left Vermont and became snow birds in Venice, Fla., near the beach, to enjoy life to the fullest. In 2007, Emmy became a grandmother for the first time. She loved being a Grandma. She and Grandpa would spend the month of April in San Diego with both grandchildren, teaching them the Easter traditions of painting eggs, putting out baskets, enjoying chocolate candy and egg hunts. She always sent cards, candy and gifts not only for birthdays and Christmas but for any holiday.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Smith; daughter Jessica Smith; son Jamie Smith; grandchildren Nolen Abdullah and Eva Smith, as well as many other family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Clifton and Eleanor Bagley and her sister Midge Marshall.

Her presence will be deeply missed but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her and even some who didn’t. Her life will be celebrated in a ceremony at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation by mail or online at sheriffsmeadow.org.