Paula Smith Obituary

Paula G. Smith, 79, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. She was born in Pittsburgh on Sept. 2, 1946, a daughter of the late Charles D. and Philomena (Konieczny) Gordon. On April 26, 1974, in Winchester, VA, she married Clair D. Smith, and he survives; along with a son, Jeffrey C. Smith of Ft. Ashby, WV; a daughter, Amy C. Smith of Sarasota, FL; two sisters, Beth Soster and husband, Terry, of Ambridge, and Barbara Shadler and husband, Don, of Waynesboro; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She considered Aferdita Worley and her husband, Doug, along with Aferdita's children, Ylli and Fllanza Jusufi, as family. Paula graduated from West Deer High School in Gibsonia in 1964 and, in 1968, received a bachelor's degree in history from Lock Haven University, as well as a master's in adult education from Temple University in 1991. Paula taught elementary school right after college; she supervised a sheltered workshop and also curated a museum. She worked at Catholic Charities, helping refugees find new homes and jobs and start a new life in a new country, which she greatly enjoyed doing for many years. Her last job before retiring to Florida was with the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an adult education and literacy advisor, a position that took her all over the state in her duties. Paula was a member of New Life Lutheran Church in Sarasota, FL, and she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and attending group Bible study. She took part in several mission trips, including teaching Bible school to native Canadians in the Yukon Territory, providing logistical and moral support for Red River flooding victims in Fargo, ND, and hosting an inner-city child for several years with the Fresh Air Fund. Paula's priority was always her family, friends, and those less fortunate. She also had a passion for flowers, gardening, cooking, shopping, her pets, and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball, of which she rarely missed a game, even after moving to Florida. A memorial service will be held with visitation at 1 p.m. and service starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Chapel at TIMOTHY A. BERKEBILE FUNERAL HOME in Bedford, with the Rev. David Weinhold officiating. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Paula's name can do so to the All-Faiths Food Bank, 8171 Blaikie Ct., Sarasota, FL 34240. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.