Claire K. Smith

Claire K. Smith, 102, Nazareth, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Country Meadows of Bethlehem in Bethlehem Township.

Born Monday, September 8, 1924 in Old Zionsville, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Wallace G. and Agnes (Brier) Keen, Sr. and wife of the late Edward F. Smith, Sr., who passed away suddenly in 1978.

Clair worked as an office manager at the Coughlin Architecture Firm, Bethlehem form 1965 to 1969 and then at Eastwood Convalescent Home, Easton until she retired in 1989.

Claire enjoyed traveling and spending time playing cards with family and friends, but above all she cherished family gatherings and traditions. She was a woman of strong opinions and steadfast principles, who believed in doing things the right way, even when it required considerable effort. Those qualities were perhaps best reflected in her famous Thanksgiving Pig Stomach recipe, a labor intensive family tradition that took days to prepare. The recipe became a centerpiece of family celebrations and remains part of her legacy today through her family. Claire lived long enough to witness a century of extraordinary change, from horse-drawn deliveries and radio broadcasts to smartphones and video calls. Through it all, she remained grounded in the values that guided her life: family, hard work, self-reliance, and tradition. She will be remembered not only for her longevity, but her strength of character, her devotion to family customs, and enduring example she set for generations to follow. Her presence will be missed around the card table, at family gatherings, and especially at Thanksgiving, where her cherished recipe and traditions will continue to bring family together.

Nothing brought Claire greater satisfaction than watching her family grow across five generations. She is survived by sons, Edward F. and wife Donna Smith, Jr. of Bangor, and Dr. Gale Smith and wife Dr. Karyl Hurley of Downingtown, five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Wallace G. Keen, Jr. and a great granddaughter.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral service, both on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Bartholomew-Schisler Funeral Home, 211 E. Center Street, Nazareth, PA 18064. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Memorial Park, Bethlehem.

In lieu of the flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's UCC, Nazareth, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com