Connie Mae Rish Smith, 97, lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia on January 16 at Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor Nursing Home in Manassas, VA.
Born on July 18, 1921 to the late Foley and Walter D. Rish in Aiken, SC, she grew up in Wagener, SC. Connie reviewed typing and studying skills for an additional year after high school in order to attend nursing school. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from South Carolina State Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. She began her career as an assistant Operating Room Supervisor at Roper Hospital in Charleston, then joined the Army Nurses Corps in August 1944. She was stationed at Lawson General Hospital in Atlanta, GA and Regional Hospital, Ft. Jackson, SC. She was discharged from the Army in October 1945, as a 1st Lieutenant.
Connie married Capt. Walter M. Smith, DDS, in October 1945. They were married for 67 years until his death in 2012. The Smiths lived in University Park, Md until 1989, when they moved to Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, MD.
Connie enjoyed fishing with her husband off the waters of Ocean City, MD where they had a home for many years. They were Terrapin Club members, attending most home football games at the University of Md. Connie also loved to watch the Washington Redskins and Maryland basketball. She was an active member of University Baptist Church for over 30 years.
She is survived by daughters Pam Allison and her husband Mike of League City, TX, and Cindy Smith of Bristow, VA; a granddaughter Sarah Allison Hall, and two great-grandchildren, Brandon Michael Allison and Hailey Allison Hall. Connie is preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Michael Allison.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held in Crownsville, MD at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to University Baptist Church, 3515 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20140.
Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com