The Dominican Friars Foundation would like to honor the memory of longtime supporters and legacy benefactors Russell (1924-2017) and Elizabeth (1924-2020) Smith.
Cincinnati natives, the Smiths became parishioners at the Dominican Parish of St. Gertrude in 1965. There they developed a close friendship with Fr. Phillip Smith, O.P. (no relation), bonding over a mutual love of bridge.
At the parish, Russell assisted with the RCIA program and Elizabeth volunteered her time in connection with Eucharistic Adoration. Both were instrumental in launching the “Why Catholic” program, which exists to this day under a different name.
“They were faithful attendees at daily and Sunday Mass,” says Fr. George Schommer, O.P., who knew the Smiths as parochial vicar at St. Gertrude from 1994-1998 and again from 2007-2011. “Russ was a committed member of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship group. I also remember that Russ and Mitzy hosted a regular Bible study at their home. They were delightful people and I miss their presence in the parish.”
Russell and Elizabeth were happily married for 68 years until Russell’s death in 2017. Fr. Schommer celebrated the funeral Mass for Elizabeth in 2020. The Smiths are remembered daily in the prayers and Masses of the Dominican Friars.