Obituary of Margaret E. Smith

Allegany, NY Margaret Eileen Smith passed away Sunday (February 2nd, 2025) at the Pines in Olean following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born Margaret Stiglitz in Franklin, PA on September 16th, 1951, she was one of five children to Wilfred and Bessie Louise Stiglitz (née Blauser). As an adventurous and strong-willed child, she loved reading and the outdoors. She graduated from Cranberry Area High School in 1969 after which she attended Clarion State College, receiving a degree in Adolescent Special Education. She later completed her master’s degree at St. Bonaventure University. On June 23rd, 1973, she married Carl T Smith in Franklin, PA. They started their life together traveling the country before eventually settling in Salamanca, NY in 1980. Margaret worked a number of jobs in the community while devoting her time to raising her young sons. In 1988, she began her tenure as a teacher at Salamanca School. As a junior high and elementary teacher at Salamanca, her job never ended. She was a devoted educator, whether it be creating interesting and engaging lessons for her students or helping her fellow teachers by spending countless hours working with the teachers’ union. After receiving several awards and accolades, she retired in 2013. During her retirement, she became a certified master gardener. She was active in local garden clubs and the Nannen Arboretum in Ellicottville. Maggie is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Carl Smith and two sons, Matthew (Heather) Smith of Allegany, NY, and Benjamin (Dana Sarley) Smith of Evansville, IN. She became a grandmother in 2009 to her only grandchild Mitchem Smith, with whom she shared a special bond. She is also survived by two sisters, Jane McGroarty of New Britain, PA, and Betsy (Gene) Salzman of Hudson, WI, two brothers Raymond (Linda) Stiglitz of Franklin, PA, and John (Michelle) Stiglitz of Franklin, PA, and several beloved nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and loved ones at 11am on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Allegany, followed by a memorial mass at noon. Pastor Chris Emminger will be the celebrant. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club. Arrangements are with the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.