Blanche Irene Smith

Blanche “Irene” Smith, 99, of Fawn Twp., passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025 surrounded by family at Fawn Personal Care Home, Fawn Twp. with a special thank you to the care given by Kim and staff. She was born May 2, 1925 to the late Walter and Blanche (Coyle) Van Thiel of Brackenridge and graduated from Tarentum High school. She later married her neighbor and sweetheart, William W. Smith, who passed away in 2020. She lived in Fawn Township most of her life where she was a homemaker and a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. 

Irene loved to shop, go camping with her family, and was known to frequent various eating establishments throughout Natrona Heights, especially Arby's with her son Dennis. She was a member of the former Holy Martyrs Church, Tarentum and current member of the Guardian Angels Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Campus, Natrona Heights. She was involved with “The Arc of PA” for many years to support those with disabilities like Dennis’.

 Survivors include her sons Daniel L. (Cindy Lee) Smith, of Fawn Twp., David M. (Nancy J.) Smith, of Fawn Twp., and Dennis J. Smith, of Coraopolis. Also surviving are her grandchildren Christy Jones, of Frazer Twp., Jonathon Smith (Roman To) of Boston, MA., Daniel J. (Lacy) Smith, of Fawn Twp., and Andrew T. (Genevieve) Smith of Buffalo Twp., and her great grandchildren Ruth, Josie, Logan, Laurel, and Emma. Also included is her "fourth son" Luke (Marcia) Thompson. Besides her parents and husband of 71 years she was preceded in death by her two brothers James Van Thiel KIA WWII and Fred Van Thiel.

 Visitation is 4-7 PM Friday in Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 and Saturday from 11 AM until the time of blessing service at 12:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Twp. VISIT: dusterfh.com