Kathleen M. Smith

Kathleen Margaret Smith, 85, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Although Kathy’s journey concluded in East Greenwich, RI, she was a lifelong and proud resident of Long Island, notably Freeport and Baldwin.

Born in Jamaica, New York, on May 2, 1941, she was the daughter of Catherine Zehner (McGovern) and Ralph Zehner.

From a young age, Kathy was interested in art, music and was an avid reader. Early in her career, she held administrative assistant roles across a few industries before getting married and becoming a mother to Glenn and Kevin. After raising her children, she built a career in the Freeport School District – eventually supporting the music, arts, and enrichment department. This allowed her to work with great people, supporting disciplines she loved.

Kathy had a strong faith, forging friendships with many great people through church and community. Over the years, she worked closely with the Ursuline Sisters and helped support many of their events and community activities. She was a student of local history, documenting much of what she learned and loved in journals, other writings, photography, and artwork. She received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY at the age of 62, proving it's never too late to learn and accomplish.

Recently, Kathy relocated to St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Center in East Greenwich to be closer to her son Glenn. While the family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received there, Kathy's heart always remained on the south shore of Long Island.

Kathy was preceded in death by her son Kevin Smith. She is survived by her son Glenn Smith, and his wife Kristen Capuano Smith, and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends.

To honor Kathy, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Bobbi and the Strays in Freeport, NY.