Obituary of Elizabeth Smid

Elizabeth Smid, 90, of LaFayette went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 5, with her loving family at her side. Born August 22, 1928, in Beverwijk, the Netherlands, to Frank Schippers and Nel Haartsen, she was the second of four children. 

Elly grew up in Haarlem, the Netherlands, where she met her sweetheart and late husband of 63 years, Johannes (Han). She studied nursing after graduating high school and spent a year in England as a nanny. She and Han were married at Hendricks Chapel (Syracuse University) in 1956 while Han was completing his post-graduate studies, and they formally emigrated to the US with first-born son Derk in 1959. They had three more children, Frank, Janneke and Hans. 
 

Elly and Han shared a love of serving international students, and over the years they opened their home to many students, scholars, and missionaries. Elly served faithfully for many years as deaconess and head deaconess at LaFayette Alliance Church. She was also a dedicated driver for Meals on Wheels in Syracuse, delivering meals and befriending many older residents who looked forward to her visits. Elly cared deeply for people, and she used her gifts of hospitality, service, caring and cooking to touch the lives of countless people in the area. She was never shy to share her faith and love for her Lord Jesus with anyone who would listen. 
 

Elly loved her native country of the Netherlands, and her home was filled with all things Dutch, as well as plants and flowers. She and Han shared a love of travel, having the opportunity to visit many countries around the world. Han’s career as professor also allowed them to enjoy living overseas during his sabbatical years, including the Netherlands, France, and Israel. 
 

Elly was predeceased by her husband, Johannes, parents and brother Hendrik. She is survived by her children Derk (Amy), Frank (Heidi), Janneke (Clayt) Roberts, and Hans (Mary), and was the proud oma to nine grandchildren, Jacob (Lexie), Nathan, Zachary, Jonathan, Matthew, Benjamin M., Kathryn, Benjamin J., and Samuel. She also leaves behind her sisters Nel and Anneke and many nephews and nieces. 
 

A celebration service will be held Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 am, at LaFayette Alliance Church on Route 20 in LaFayette, followed by a brief, private burial service at LaFayette Cemetery. Flowers or donations may be sent to LaFayette Alliance Church, 6069 Cherry Valley Turnpike, P.O. Box 150, LaFayette, NY 13084. Donations may also be made to International Friendship Evangelism, 4274 LaFayette Road, Jamesville, NY 13078.