Obituary of Heather Smith

Heather Rebecca Hudson Smith, age 71, of Anderson, SC, formerly of Erie, passed away at home Friday, December 20, 2013 in Anderson, SC. She was born on November 18, 1942 in Erie, the daughter of the late, Donald and Frances Hudson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis "Smitty" Smith, in 1993; a brother, Donald Smith; and a sister, Gwendolyn Griner. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School Class of 1960. Her passion was volunteering at the Fairview Fire Department where she became the First Female Lieutenant Officer. She is survived by a husband, Ross Newland, a son, Donald Smith, and his four children: Justin (companion, Ginean Thomas), Tyler, Morgan, and Zachary Smith, and one great-grandson, Jaylen Smith. She is also survived by a daughter, Heather Smith Cowan (life partner, Philip Conforti), and her two daughters; Kayleigh Smith (fiancé, Kyle Mastrioanni) and Rebecca McGee. Heather was a loving, caring, and giving wife, mother, and grandmother. She strongly believed in the following motto: "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting… … what a ride!" She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends. Watch over us. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday, December 30th from 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31st. Interment Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.