Obituary of Linnea R. Smith

Linnea R. Smith, 86, of Lakewood, NY, died on May 15, 2024 in her lake home with her four children and the hearts of hundreds by her side. Linnea was born on September 14, 1937, the firstborn child of Elmer and Sagrid (Olson) Frick in Jamestown, NY. Linnea was blessed with two brothers, "Ronnie" and "Butch" and they enjoyed a God and family filled life in Watts Flats, NY. Linnea savored memories from Panama Central School where she played the trumpet in the marching band. She instilled the love of music in her children. At 17, Linnea was swept off her feet by a suave brunette, and on May 21, 1955, she married her soulmate, Franklin D. Smith. Together, they built a home and a family that included Craig, Bart, Carna, and Laura. Family life included many vacations where we felt the luckiest to see so much of the USA. Linnea documented everything; her notes and index cards will be cherished. Linnea was the MATRIARCH of her family. She achieved this by being the most faithful wife and loving mother. Being a stoic Swede, she didn't express her love with words or hugs, she expressed it with her loving deeds, her wonderful cooking, her amazing housekeeping and hostess skills, and through her faithful prayers which endured for us until her last breath. As a homemaker, Linnea also threw herself into volunteer roles. She and Frank were faithful, giving members of the Lakewood United Methodist Church where Linnea taught Sunday School and was on the nurturing team. Her most loving roles were as "The Card Lady" sending hundreds of cards to hundreds of people. It was her gift. She also was known as "The Dean of the Choir" and made sure they sang every Sunday as long as she was able to do so. She involved herself in her children's activities throughout their years. Linnea played a key role in the Lakewood Jayncees where she learned to love football and became a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, gained lifelong friends, and devoted herself to the Lakewood Area Junior Miss Program. She was a longtime volunteer at the Lakewood Library and was known there as "The Story Hour Lady." She loved to cross-stitch making Nativity Sets for most of her family. She loved reading (the last page first) and shared that love with her granddaughter's-in-law the most. Linnea worked as a Caravan driver for the James Prendergast Library in the 1970's. She and Frank created Casey's Heating and successfully ran the business until their retirement. She served as scorekeeper for the Casey's Heating Softball team and had the loudest mouth on the field. Linnea's greatest love was family which was represented by the 130 photos on her hallway wall. She is survived by her children: Craig (Katie) Smith of Lancaster, NY, Bart Smith (Caregiver Extraordinaire) of Lakewood, Carna (Bill) Smith Warner of Lakewood, and Laura (Steve) Starner of Philipsburg, PA. She is also survived by brother, Nels Frick, sister-in-law Sally Frick and cousin Karen Frick; her best loved grandchildren: Joshua (Alex) and Justin (Karissa) Morcelle, Dr. Jillian (Marc) and Jacob Smith, Colby (Courtney), Taylor (Courtney), Nathan (Alyssa) Chamberlin, and Ryan (Tracey) and Linnea Onuffer; and her Great-Grands: Landon, Annelise, Chase, Kaydence, Riley, Sydney, Olivia, Audrey, Alexis, Ryan, Anna, Max, Ellie, Gehrig, and Peta. Linnea is celebrating with those in Heaven before her, including her parents, spouse Frank who died January 21, 2006, her brother Roland Frick, her granddaughter Faith Katherine Chamberlin, and her best dog friend, Tramp. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18th in the Lakewood United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mike Childs and the Rev. Roy Ferguson will officiate. Burial will be in Kiantone's Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials greatly appreciated to Lakewood United Methodist Church, Lakewood Memorial Library or the Chautauqua County Humane Society.