Obituary of Sally O'Grady Smith

Sally O’Grady Smith passed away peacefully on the morning of June 5, 2023 in the care of her loved ones. She was 96.

Sally was born on August 2, 1926, in Stamford, Connecticut to Francis and Sarah O’Grady. She was a loving and devoted mother who raised her six children after the death of her beloved husband, Earle Smith, in 1963. Sally is survived by her children, David Smith (Kathleen) of Edgewater, NJ, Sara Larkin (Larry), Mark Smith (Janet), Judith Wyllie (Peter), Gerard Smith (Peggy), and Claire Norton (Charles) of Stamford, CT. She was blessed with thirteen grandchildren, David Smith (Stephanie), Meghan Kelly (Freddy), and Kelly Meagher (Colin), Sean Larkin (Loren), David Larkin, and Caroline Larkin-Chute (Mike), Gregory Smith, Robert Wyllie (Christine) and Sarah Wyllie, Emma Smith, and Katherine, Alison, and Grady Norton, nineteen great-grandchildren, and extended family, whom she so loved. 

After attending Stamford High School, she attended St. Raphael’s School of Nursing in New Haven, CT. She was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps. After the war, she worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stamford for many years. She continued to work in home care afterwards.

Sally gave of herself to so many people, dedicating her life to caring for others. She was a remarkable mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Sally’s home was a place of warmth, where everyone was welcomed with open arms, homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce, and a few choice jokes. She enjoyed golf at Sterling Farms, bowling with “The Absoluts,” watching Jeopardy!, and family birthday celebrations.

Her family and friends will forever treasure the love, laughter, and wisdom she brought to our lives. Sally exemplified selflessness and gratitude, even for the littlest things in life. She will be remembered for her vivaciousness, her wit, and her big heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 8th at 10:30am at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 1200 Shippan Ave, Stamford, CT, followed by interment at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.  No calling hours will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 203-359-9999.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.