Shirley W. Smedes, 93, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA., she was a daughter of George W. and Laura G. Sims Wright.

Shirley married the love of her life, Stuart C. Smedes, in 1955, and moved to Kingston and began their life together. In 1956, they joined Trinity Lutheran Church, and began their lifelong service to and participation in the church.

When her children were young, she was often the elementary school Room Mother. When her daughters were in Girl Scouts, she was frequently the coordinator of their annual Girl Scout Cookie sale. She was a very active member of Trinity. For more than 25 years, she was in charge of the annual Election Day Dinner. She was a member of Trinity’s choir and the Women’s Guild and she took special delight in her membership in the Handbells Choir.

She was a member of the local AARP chapter, frequently holding office and also worked alongside her husband on building projects at the YMCA Day Camp.

She loved cooking and baking for her family and others, and there were many signature dishes that people looked forward to at gatherings.

Shirley was very active in her four children’s lives while they were growing up, frequently being the “taxi driver” for many of their events. She deeply loved all five of her grandchildren, and delighted in hearing about everything that was happening in their lives. The births of her three great-grandchildren brought special joy to her life, and she loved each and every moment that she spent with them,

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her three siblings, Charles E. Wright, Beatrice M. Wright Wolf, and Robert T. Wright

Shirley is survived by her four children, Suzanne, Stephanie, Stacy (Jeffrey) Stoliker, and Stuart Jr (Liz); five grandchildren, JP, Cassie, Connor, Dakota, and Jenna; three great grandchildren, Kellan, Kaiya, and Ryker; grand-dogs Penny, Hope, Beauford, and Hobbs; great-grand-dogs Maverick, Raven, Harper and Ozzie; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm at the Henry J. Bruck Funeral Home, 261 Broadway, Kingston, NY. A Service of Commendation and Life will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 72 Spring St., Kingston, NY, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at 11am, with burial to follow in Wiltwyck Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Shirley's name to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 72 Spring Street, Kingston, NY 12401.