Obituary of Joyce R. Smith

Joyce Lucille (Raudenbush) Smith, 88, of Schenectady, New York, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 1, 2025, joining her beloved husband, Russell, in heaven.

Born at home in Shillington, Pennsylvania, Joyce was the second of three daughters of the late Stanley and Sarah (Rumbaugh) Raudenbush. As a child, she was affectionately nicknamed “Buzzie” because she was always “buzzing around” and eager to be helpful.

Joyce was a 1955 graduate of Governor Mifflin High School, where she played violin, served as a cheerleader and yearbook editor, participated in every musical group, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she performed with the Reading Symphony and was active in the Rainbow Girls. Joyce and her younger sister were often invited to play in string quartets for community events throughout the area.

She went on to attend Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where she met the love of her life, Russell Smith. Joyce was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Iota, the International Music Fraternity, and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Joyce and Russell were married on June 15, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Oneonta.

Joyce shared her love of music throughout her life. She served as a substitute music teacher in several local school districts, including a long-term position in the Niskayuna Central School District. She also taught violin and piano lessons from her home and performed in string quartets at weddings and community events.

She was fondly known to many children as “Mother Goose,” a character she portrayed at church and school functions, bringing joy wherever she went.

Joyce’s greatest joy came from her family and friends. She cherished time spent with her daughters and grandchildren, attending numerous games and concerts, organizing special outings, and sharing adventures in ice cream, crafts, and laughter. She participated in Bible studies, her weekly craft groups, and enjoyed the lifelong friendships she cultivated over the years.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Judy (Jerry) Tomisman of Niskayuna, and Diane (Bill) Kitson of Utah; her grandchildren, Justin (Bridgette and Emma) Tomisman, Jocelyn Tomisman, Jackie (Eric) Hammell, Jeremy Tomisman, Robert (Samantha) Kitson, and Chandler Kitson; and her great-granddaughter, Annabel Lee Hammell. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Raudenbush DiBrita; her cousin, Linda Raudenbush; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her husband, Russell Smith; her sister, Barbara Raudenbush Bailey; and her parents.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the ALS Center in Albany for the care and support during Joyce’s thirty-year journey with what was believed to be Primary Lateral Sclerosis. Their expertise and encouragement enabled her to live with remarkable independence, grace, and perseverance.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, 943 Palmer Avenue, Schenectady, New York. The church is handicap accessible. Interment will take place in the summer at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hartwick College, Office of Alumni Relations, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, with “Russell and Joyce Smith Scholarship” noted in the memo line.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

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