Esther Smith

Esther Helen Smith, age 98, passed away peacefully at home on Friday evening, December 19, 2025.

She was born on August 21, 1927, in Hornell, New York, the daughter of Bert Hosmer and Bessie Hosmer (White). On June 29, 1946, she married the love of her life, Frank T. Smith, and together they shared a devoted marriage until his passing on November 23, 2008. Esther spent her married life in Almond, New York, where she and her husband built a loving home and raised their family.

Above all else, Esther cherished her family. She was the proud mother of six children, and all of them carry countless cherished memories of their mom-her kindness, her generosity, and the quiet, steady ways she showed her love every day. Family was always at the center of her life, and her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

For several years, Esther worked at Stern and Stern Textiles, where she was known as a friend to all, and everyone who knew her could not say enough about how kind and sweet she was.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert Hosmer and Bessie Hosmer (White); her beloved husband, Frank T. Smith, in 2008; her sisters, Ethel O'Dell and Eloise Northrup; her brothers, Harold Hosmer, Willis Hosmer, and Lawrence Hosmer; her son-in-law, Brett Brewster; her granddaughter, Elaine Liddel; and her grandson, Franklyn "Frankie" George.

She is survived by her children (so blessed to have been able to call her Mom, whom she loved deeply):
Helen Taylor (Joe), Frank Thomas Smith Jr. (Judy), Edward Smith (Betsy), Roberta DuFrane (Henry), Jack Smith (Tammy), Pamela Brewster (Brett [deceased], and Mike).

Grandchildren (a great source of joy in her life):
Sharon Yoder (LeLand), Shauna Kudray (Robert), Stephen Fay (Elizabeth), Katrina McMichael (Mark), Thomas Smith (Samantha), Eddie Smith, Erica Giallella (Anthony), Elaine Liddel [deceased], Erin Smith (Shawn), Michael DuFrane (Barbara), David DuFrane (Ruth), Franklyn George [deceased], Danielle Kosek (Matthew), Chad George (Nicole), Dustin DuFrane, Brandon DuFrane (Jessica), Chad DuFrane (Margaret), Jack Smith II (Karrie), Craig Smith (Laura), Travis Smith (Jaclyn), Michael Brewster (Dana), Stacy Brewster, Taelor Malinowski (Lou [deceased]), Cody Brewster (Danielle), Brett Brewster II (Sara).

Great-grandchildren (also a great joy in her life, who lovingly called her "Grandma-Great"):
Nicole Blauvelt (Brett), Marissa Pershall (Tyler), Ryan Yoder (Daryn), Timothy Yoder, Kailee Seward (Jed), Jordan Yoder (Natalie), Kenadi Fay, Laurin Fay, Makenzie Tappen (Jacob), Aubrey Yoder (Byron), Chloe Fay, Blake McMichael, Kylie McMichael, Dylan Cragg, Scarlett Smith, Bobby Smith (Breanna), Dalton Smith (Elizabeth), Keelan Smith (Alexa), Rylan Burley, Eliana Smith, Ceci Giallella (Dominic), Claudia Giallella, Coletta Giallella, Anthony Giallella, Joseph Giallella, Gavin McCumiskey (Camryn), Derek McCumiskey, Collin McCumiskey, Allison Liddel, Hunter Geer, Isabella Geer, Wyatt Geer, Tahlia Kosek, Jett Kosek, Kaleigha Kosek, Courtney Mead, Porter DuFrane, Justine Smith (Corbin), Angela Smith, Hunter Smith, Alexis Barnes, Peyton Barnes, Chloe Smith, Kevin Smith, Andrew Smith, Tyler Smith, Olivia Smith, Landon Smith, Alexander Brewster, Olivia Brewster, Lexy Brewster, Chase Malinowski, Stella Brewster, Rowan Brewster.

She is also survived by several great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren, a testament to her enduring legacy of family and love.

The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM, where funeral services will be held following the calling hours. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, New York.

Esther was the best, most caring mom anyone could ask for, and she lived her life with an open heart and generous spirit. She always said,
"If there is anything you need and I have it, you're welcome to it," and she truly meant it.

Her kindness, warmth, and gentle presence will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed every day and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.