Post Mills, VT- Della Mae (Swasey) Smith, 99, died May 23, 2019 at her home.

Della was born August 15, 1919 in Wilder, VT to Harry Eugene Swasey and Mildred Logan Swasey.

She was a 1937 graduate of Thetford Academy and received her teaching degree in 1940 from Lyndon Normal School. She later returned to Lyndon State College and earned her B.S. in Elementary Education in 1966.

Her first teaching position was at West Fairlee Center, VT where she taught 16 children in 8 grades in a one room school house. After the closing of that school, Della continued to teach grades 1-4 at West Fairlee Elementary School for 2 more years.

On June 6, 1943, she married Walter Watson Smith at the Thetford Hill Parsonage. Walter was in the US Army and they left for Atlanta, Georgia for the Summer. In November 1943, Walter began a 2 year tour of duty in Europe and Della taught school in Bennington, VT.

In 1945, Walter returned from his Army duty and they made their home in Springfield, VT and Charlestown, NH. In 1950, they moved to West Fairlee, VT

In 1952, Della resumed her teaching career at West Fairlee Elementary School until her retirement in 1984.

In 1958, upon the death of Walter's brother, Borden Smith they purchased "Smith's Store" and moved to Post Mills, VT where they operated the store until shortly before Walter's death on November 2, 1976. After her retirement, Della enjoyed traveling with her friend, Laura DeGoosh, to many areas including Sweden.

Della's later years were compromised by blindness and hearing loss. She so appreciated the kindness of family, friends and Meals on Wheels Volunteers at the Bugbee Senior Center who blessed her long days with visits and meals.

Della was so very thankful for her "talking books" from the Vermont Department of Libraries, Special Services Unit in Barre, VT.

She is survived by her daughters Judith Adams of Thetford, VT and Janice Smith of Weymouth, MA.

Also, four grandchildren, Amy Adams Marquis of  Swanton, VT, Christian Smith Adams and his wife, Elizabeth of Essex, VT, Jeffrey Ronald Adams and his wife, Laurie of Jericho, VT and Kathryn Adams Gillam and her husband, Stephen of Wilder, VT and a son in law, Sid Adams of Derby, VT. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, Justin Marquis and his wife, Olivia of Boston, MA. Andrew Marquis of Huntington, VT, Spencer Marquis of Milton, VT and Mae Elizabeth Gillam of Wilder, VT. Also, many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1976, a son, Russell Arnold Smith in 1982 and an infant great granddaughter, Elaina Rachel Marquis in 1996. Also, sisters Eleanor Stevens, Marjorie Thibodeau, Thelma Mason and brothers Eugene Swasey and Gordon Swasey.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 2:00P.M. at the Post Mills Congregational Church. Della so enjoyed her membership and participation in many activities over the years.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Meals on Wheels Program at the Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05001 and to the Post Mills Congregational Church, PO Box 14, Post Mills, VT 05058

In appreciation for her many years of enjoying her "Talking Books" contributions are also welcomed by the Vermont Department of Libraries, Able Library, 60 Washington Street, Suite 2, Barre, VT 05644-4209.

Interment will be in the Post Mills Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to Judy Adams, PO Box 136, Post Mills, VT 05058 and online at www.knightfuneralhomes.com . Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction assisted with arrangements.