WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Eugenia W. "Genie" Smith, 90, of Williamstown, Mass., died Friday January 11, 2019, at the Williamstown Commons. 

She was born in Newton, Kan., on June 8, 1928, the daughter of Clara Eugenia (Dains) Williamson and Harvey Laird Williamson. She lived most of her childhood in Durham, N.C., and graduated from Duke University. In 1952 she married Edward F. Smith at the Church of the Transfiguration in New York City. 

The Smiths moved to Williamstown in 1959 and founded the weekly Williamstown News, which was in operation until 1973. She then worked for Williams College until her retirement in 1995. Two of Genie’s loves were the Episcopal Church, specifically St. John's in Williamstown, and playing bridge with her friends.

Survivors include two sons, Harvey Smith of Cambridge, Mass., and Alexander "Sandy" Smith of North Adams; one daughter, Helen Smith of State College, Pa.; two granddaughters, Sarah Ficke (Erik Myers) and Marta Ficke Fleming (Tom); two great-grandchildren, Sarah Eugenia Fleming and Alexander Hyde Fleming.; her son-in-law Hunter Ficke (Dolly Bellhouse); sister-in-law Margaret “Peggy” Goode; and many loved nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, in 1972; her parents; her sister Emmy Lou Hamshar; her daughter Eugenia "Ginger" Ficke in 1995; and her son Edward F. Smith Jr. in 2018.

Funeral notice: A funeral service to celebrate Genie Smith’s life will take place Saturday, January 19, 2019, at 1 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Williamstown, Mass. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice, or to the St. John’s Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund.