Obituaries

Linda (Kerr) Smith, a longtime Old Forge resident and more recently of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10th. She was 77 years old. On August 1, 2021, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, William W. Smith, Sr. and in 1999 by her brother William “Billy” Schield (Taylor). Born in Scranton on May 26, 1948, and daughter of the late William L. Kerr (Oregon) and Dorothy (Williams) Schield (Taylor). Linda was a graduate of the former Taylor High School. Upon raising her family, she went on to work at Allied Services. More recent before retirement, she was a familiar face as a key manager of Rite Aid in Old Forge. 100% dedicated to her family, she truly cherished her relationship with each and every one of them. Her concern about her loved ones never ended, even until her final days. She will forever be remembered for opening her home and heart to her family and friends alike. She was “Mom” to all. There was always a pot of coffee brewing and a meal on standby. She loved crosswords and jig-saw puzzles, but nothing more than being a mother and grandmother until her final breath. Touching the lives of many, she will never be forgotten. She is survived by her loving family, including daughter and caregiver, Kelly Brockway and husband Chris of Myrtle Beach; her sons, William W. Smith, Jr. and Maureen Dawson of Old Forge, David Smith and wife Jackie of Loris, S.C., and Glenn Smith and wife of Oxford, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brothers, William Kerr (Oregon) and Brian Kerr (Washington) and William “Billy Bob” Kerr of N.J.; two half-sisters, nieces, nephews and dear friends whom were certainly considered her extended family. A celebration of Linda’s life is scheduled for Friday, August 1st, between 4 -7:00 PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. A blessing service for both Linda and her late Brother in-law , George Glenn Smith who died on December 10, 2023, will be celebrated by Rev. Dr. Michael Shambora at 7:00 PM.