Betsy L. Smith

Betsy Lee Smith, 79, died in Philadelphia, PA on November 14, 2024 while waging a valiant battle with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Betsy, who was the youngest of two girls, was born in Poquoson,Virginia on November 27, 1944 to the late Ira (1902-1961) and Cora Firth Smith (1903-1997). Betsy's older sister, Zella Anne Smith Wyker (1933-1993) is interred next to her parents in the Smith Cemetery in Poquoson, which is where Betsy will also be laid to rest. 

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband John Hammack Meszaros (1947-), who currently resides in Philadelphia. Betsy attended Poquoson Elementary and High Schools, and then proceeded to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. Betsy's professional career included increasing Computer Systems supervisory and management positions with various Federal agencies, to include NASA Langley Research Center, CONARC Fort Monroe, MAOR West Point, NY, U.S. Attorney's Office (Philadelphia), and the Defense Personnel Support Center (DPSC) Philadelphia.

Betsy retired from government service during June, 2005, to pursue her various hobbies and interests which included dancing, doll collecting, fine dining, music (esp. piano), opera, reading and travel.  Also, during her retirement, Betsy enrolled in the Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia, and completed all of the academic and clinical requirements to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), and practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Betsy was a beautiful and exceptionally intelligent woman who possessed a caring and effervescent demeanor and personality. She was deeply loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Betsy's husband will receive Philadelphia friends at the John F. Murray Funeral Home, 1220 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031 between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Virginia friends and relatives may attend a viewing at the Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. 836 Poquoson Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662, between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024, or between10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, November 22, 2024. A service celebrating Betsy's life will be held graveside at the Smith Cemetery on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All are invited to attend.