Elaine Janette Smathers 1925-2026

She was a 1943 graduate of Mayville Central School where she was valedictorian. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in music and music education from the Former Fredonia State College in 1947, and her Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York City in 1951. She also completed many additional college graduate courses from New York University and Syracuse University Summer school Sessions at Chautauqua Institution and at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College.

She taught public school music for 32 years, first at Ripley Central School ,then in Jamestown Public Schools. She also directed several area Methodist Church Choirs for 25 years.

She was a member of the Mayville United Methodist Church for over 60 years, a past president and active member of the Mozart Club and the Music Study Club for over 50 years. She was a charter member of the Beta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, International Society for Key Women Educators; a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 60 first in the Acanthus Chapter, where she served as Matron, and then the Acacia Chapter; and for over 50 years a member and officer of the international Rosicrucian Order AMORC; as well as a member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Class of 2005.

She was very interested in many cultural pursuits. She greatly enjoyed doing Brazilian embroidery, knitting, sewing, oil painting, dried flower projects, flower gardening, gourmet cooking and research and writing of philosophical discourses.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts Dauphine Bullock and Alice Hurd, uncle Frank Smathers, cousins Albert (Marjorie) Smathers, June Norton and Doris Adameck.

She is survived by her cousins Caroline Cardo of Erie, PA, Marcia Wilson of Seneca, PA, Rebecca Ryan of Bradford, PA, Roberta Ward of Youngsville, PA and Leanna Parsons of Espyville, PA.

The family wants to thank Brookdale, Senior Living in Lakewood, NY and Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care. At 101 Elaine lived a full and diverse life and these organizations helped her keep her spark in a safe and supportive environment.

At Elaine’s request, all services will be private.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.