Elizabeth Bennett Smith, affectionately known to many as Libby, died peacefully at Essex Meadows Health Center, surrounded by her family and the healthcare staff, on January 4, 2016. She was almost 92 years old.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., on February 5, 1924, Libby was the daughter of the late Bruce and Tryphena (Doty) Welsted Bennett. She was a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Day School and Wyoming Seminary in Wilkes-Barre and Bennett Junior College in Millbrook, N.Y.
Libby had a storybook life. She was married for 33 years to the late Joseph E. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Singer Corporation. During later years of their marriage they traveled all over the world. She enjoyed adventures around the globe, whether it was with her sister, Jane Bennett, or with her friends, foremost though with the love of her life, her husband. Although they traveled frequently, they always longed to be back at their lovely home in Edgartown.
After the death of her husband in 1980, Libby enjoyed the companionship of the late Rick Cooper, Old Lyme, Conn., and most recently the late Ernesto Franco of Chilmark.
Libby was talented and intelligent. She started her own decorating business, Golden Horn, in 1963 in Rumson, N.J. Libby was an avid decorator utilizing old world charm with her favorite Brunschwig & Fils and Scalamandre wallpaper and fabrics. She continued her decorating business on Martha’s Vineyard, where, after her husband’s death, she became a full-time Vineyard resident. In addition to her decorating business she became involved as an active volunteer in the community with Meals on Wheels and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She loved gardening and became active with the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club. One of her favorite daily rituals was reading the New York Times cover to cover.
Those who knew Libby well will remember her no-nonsense attitude, stimulating sense of humor, and nature of formidability. She was very independent and adored her loyal friends and family. She always dressed fashionably, whether she was walking her Labrador retrievers, going to Dock Street Diner for breakfast, sunning at the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, or attending numerous social engagements. She was a devoted animal lover and adored all creatures, large and small. Her favorite pet was a monkey! Ironically, 2016 is the Chinese New Year of the Monkey, which is a comforting coincidence for Libby’s farewell.
Elizabeth B. Smith is survived by her son, Joseph Edward Smith, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen of Edgartown and two grandchildren, Jane Elizabeth (Jessie) and Joseph Edward Smith III. She also leaves her nephew, Lawrence Welsted Bennett, and two nieces, Alice Neville Bennett and Sarah Bennett Daly. Her siblings, Jane Bennett Howard and Bruce Doty Bennett are deceased.
There will be a private memorial and family burial in Edgartown this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Shelter Martha’s Vineyard (ASMV), PO Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539 or Island Dolphin Care, 150 Lorelane Pl., Key Largo, FL 33037.