Judith A. (Kamats) Smith

Judith Ann Smith, 82, of 240 West 7th Street, Emporium, PA, passed away comfortably at home surrounded by her family on Friday evening, August 19th, 2022. Judy was born June 24, 1940, in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (Kephart) Kamats. She graduated from Cameron County High School in 1958, and on September 23, 1961, she married David Smith, who survives. Dave and Judy were blessed with over 61 years of marriage, a beautiful testament of their love for one another.

In her senior yearbook, Judy’s classmates aptly described her, quoting, “A clue to her pleasant nature is found in her cheerful giggle.”  Her pleasant nature shone through in everything she did including her years of employment peddling papers, housecleaning, working as a sodajerk at Ogden’s Drug Store, working as a cashier at the Market Basket, working at Sylvania for 20 years, and managing her store, Chéz Tana’s.  Judy was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium and could most often be found spending time with her family and friends or caring for her plants with her famous green thumb. She enjoyed a good polka as well as violin music, bowling, cooking, baking, watching her game shows nightly, and preserving memories of those close to her with her camera.  She was wise, independent, fun, and loving; she gave the best advice and had the biggest heart.  Judy spread love and light everywhere she went, and together, she and her devoted husband Dave created a beautiful family who will forever remember her as the wisest and strongest woman around. 

In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by her sister Mary Jane (Richard) Logue; her children David Smith II (Judy House), Daniel Smith, Justin (Kelly) Kamats, and Tana Smith; her grandchildren Jeffrey, Brian, Alex, Caleb, Anna, Elise, Cassidy, Caryn, and Gabriel; her thirteen great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law Edna Kamats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Thomas (Margaret) Kamats, Paul Kamats, and Jacqueline Kamats; her daughter-in-law Marlene Smith; and her grandson Matthew.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 26th, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium. There will be no visitation. All are welcome to join the family at St. Mark O’Connell Hall following the service at 11:30 A.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses, Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Rd Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857; the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 North Broad Street, Emporium, PA 15834; or the Cameron County Ambulance Service, 299 East 2nd Street, Emporium, PA 15834.

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