Estelle E. Smith, Delaware Teacher of the Year

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

Born in Smyrna, 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 World War II.

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. 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 Delaware Certificate for her 15 years of faithful service to the people of Delaware.

Prior to moving to Cadbury at Lewes, Estelle lived in Oaklands, Newark, 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 Florida, California, Nevada, and New York.

Estelle is survived by her daughter, Judy Chisholm and husband Jim, Stuart, Fla.; granddaughter, Tammy Cain Bloomfield and husband, Todd, Encino, Calif.; grandson, E. Joseph Cain and wife, Christina, Las Vegas, Nev.; great-grandchildren, Samantha Bloomfield, Robert Bloomfield, E.J. Cain and Sophie Cain. She is also survived by her sister, Gertrude E. Brittingham, Dover; brother, James N. Edmondson, Cleveland, Ohio; niece, Norma Jane Henry and husband Dr. Arthur W. Henry, Lewes; nephew, Dr. G. Mitchell Edmondson and wife, Dr. Loretta Edmondson, Milford; and many other nieces, nephews, and their children in Delaware 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 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 S. College Ave., Newark. 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.