Violet S. Smith

Church Choir Director, Organist
Violet Sophie Smith (nee Toma), 91, of Lorain, died Sunday, June 10, 2007 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home, Lorain following a lengthy illness. She was born on January 15, 1916 in Lorain and remained a life-long resident of the city. Mrs. Smith graduated from Lorain High School as a member of the class of 1934-A where she was active in the League Chorus, several Operettas including the Pirates of Penzance and a member of the National Honor Society.
She worked as a Sales Clerk at the old J. C. Penney Company on Broadway in Downtown Lorain and as a Secretary for Medallion Art Studio. She was a homemaker who enjoyed Hungarian-style cooking, gardening, and composing/playing on her piano and organ instruments at her home. And, as one of the "XYZ Sisters" singing trio, she won talent contests at the Lorain Palace Theatre and the old Elberta Beach Dance Hall.
Smith was a member of the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church where she spent a significant part of her life serving as Church Organist (1939-40), Church Choir Director for over 40 years, Church Deaconess (1939-40), Sunday School Confirmation Teacher, Sunday School Pianist and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She was a member of the Busy Martha Guild, Caring Circle and Sick Benefit Society. Smith was later honored at the Hungarian Reformed Church in 1971 with a "This Is Your Life Night" and in 1981 with the title of Choir Director Emeritus. She enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians and was a survivor of the 1924 Lorain Tornado.
Her last year a half was spent at the Anchor Lodge Retirement Village where she was chosen the Queen of Anchor Lodge Assisted Living and was the unofficial nursing home "greeter" and "caretaker" of the aquarium.
Survivors include her sons Bruce William Smith of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and Gregory S. Smith of Lorain, Ohio, five grandchildren Jennifer Smith Fuller, Halley Smith, Douglas Smith, Christopher Smith and Lenore Smith and three great-grandchildren Kyla Fuller, Maddux Smith and Jacy Fuller. She was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Smith (designer of the City of Lorain Seal and Flag); daughter, Caroline; her parents John and Sophie Toma (nee Csonka); brother, Robert; and sister Alvira.
Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. with a brief Prayer Service at 8 p.m. at the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Friends may also call Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the 11:00 a.m. Church Service to be held at the Hungarian Reformed Church, Lorain with the Reverend Peter L. Toth officiating. Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetary, Lorain.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hungarian Reformed Church, 1691 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055.