Estelle Edmondson Smith, age 93, passed away peacefully April 29, 2014 at Beebe Hospital, Lewes, DE with her daughter and son-in-law at her side.

Born in Smyrna, DE on Christmas Day 1920, she was the daughter of the late Guy M. Edmondson, Sr. and Rebecca Reed Edmondson. She was a graduate of Smyrna High School and was chosen as Miss Smyrna at the age of 18. Estelle’s education continued at the University of Delaware where she was elected Most Outstanding English Freshman Student and President of her Junior and Senior Classes. During her Senior year, she married the love of her life, Warren, just before his deployment overseas during WWII.

Following graduation from U of D in 1943, she taught English at Newark High School and elementary grades at Mt. Pleasant and River Road Schools, Wilmington, DE. Estelle received a Masters in Library Science from U of D before becoming a Librarian at Newark Central Middle School, Ogletown Middle School and Glasgow High School; retiring in 1982. During her career she was named Delaware Teacher of the Year and was nationally recognized for her design of outstanding library programs. She received a State of DE Certificate for her fifteen years of faithful service to the people of DE.

Prior to moving to Cadbury at Lewes, Estelle lived in Oaklands, Newark, DE for 54 years where she was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She referred to St. Thomas as her “Church Family” and “dear friends”. She was a member of Hances Point Yacht Club and DuPont Country Club. She was an avid reader and leader of book and study clubs. She and Warren loved golfing, boating, biking, attending U of D Football games, visits to Rehoboth and travels to family in FL, CA, NV, and NY.

Estelle is survived by her daughter, Judy Chisholm and husband, Jim, Stuart, FL; granddaughter, Tammy Cain Bloomfield and husband, Todd, Encino, CA; grandson, E. Joseph Cain and wife, Christina, Las Vegas, NV; great grandchildren, Samantha Bloomfield, Robert Bloomfield, E.J. Cain and Sophie Cain. She is also survived by her sister, Gertrude E. Brittingham, Dover, DE; brother, James N. Edmondson, Cleveland, OH; niece, Norma Jane Henry and husband, Dr. Arthur W. Henry, Lewes, DE; nephew, Dr. G. Mitchell Edmondson and wife, Dr. Loretta Edmondson, Milford, DE and many other nieces, nephews, and their children in DE and throughout the U.S.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Warren N. Smith, Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth E. Whittaker and Ruth E. Metz; and brothers, Guy M. Edmondson, Jr. and William A. Edmondson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19711. There will be a reception in the Church Parish Hall following the service. Burial will be private to the family. Memorial contributions may be made payable to St. Thomas Episcopal Church and sent in care to R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711.