Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
HAVEN SMITH Obituary
Our beloved father, Haven Elwood Smith, Sr. passed peacefully on October 29th, just days following his 93rd birthday. Haven moved to Santa Fe in the late summer of 2017 to live with his son William (Bill) Smith who had moved to New Mexico a year earlier.
Haven was born in Scranton, PA and lived most of his life in the Lehigh Valley area. The eldest of six children and a product of the Great Depression, Haven left school in the sixth grade to work for the family's wellbeing, thus began a pattern of self-sacrifice that was a hallmark of his wonderful and gracious spirit. He adored his mother Evelyn Schmoyer Smith and could not speak of her without coming to tears. He was a voracious reader throughout his life and could be found to always be digesting something historical. He was also an avid birdwatcher and fisherman, the latter being a love he shared with his sons on excursions to Cedar Lane Reservoir and Saylor's Lake in PA, as well as summer fishing in Down East Maine. In Santa Fe, Haven was a regular nearly every day at the Mary Esther Gonzalez Senior Center where he greatly enjoyed his friends and socializing.
Our family would like to thank the staff at the MEG Center, the incredible team at Christus St. Vincent for their love and care, and the tremendous staff at Kindred Hospital who with us, saw the ups and downs of the past several months while Haven sought to recover from an illness.
Haven was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley, who died in 1975 and his second wife, Doris Molchany, with whom he spent 18 years collecting and selling antiques and restoring an old school house in Orefield, PA into a lovely home. Haven is survived by his three children Noreen Lee Decker, Haven Elwood Smith, Jr., and William; grandchildren Haven III, Hailey, Jax, Maxine, Ruby, Cor, Layman, Joseph, and Lindsey; great-grandchildren Layman, Joseph, Lola, Gio, Emiliana, and Nairah; as well as his youngest sister Cheryl.
Celebrations of Haven's life will be held in both Santa Fe and the Lehigh Valley when the pandemic recedes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HAVEN SMITH
Barbara L Dempsey
March 29, 2025
I met Haven in the computer room at the senior center in La Plata Md. He loved the center, visited daily and had a group he played cards with. A very kind, gentle and caring man, he had many friends at the center. We all missed him deeply when he moved away. I wish I could have known him longer.
steven houck
December 8, 2020
what a nice man enjoyed talking with you you will be missed goodby God bless
Dee Crowell
December 8, 2020
Haven lived with me for several months. I couldn't have asked for a nicer guest. He loved playing cards, so friends would come and spend a day playing with him. In the evening, we would sit and chat. We loved to laugh and carry on. After he moved in with his son, Bill, he called me weekly just to see what I was doing. I will miss him so much. My very deepest sympathies to the family.
Kathy Groh
December 7, 2020
He was a neighbor of mine and a fabulous man. My condolences to the family. I'm sure he is greatly missed. I know I missed him when he moved to Maryland.
Tony Shalbert
December 2, 2020
RIP Mr. Smith. So sorry for your loss Haven and Bill. Had some great memories of your dad while visiting and him telling Haven and I about the green Mustang and many other memories. A fine gentleman.
Pete
November 22, 2020
Many childhood memories of the nature walks you took Mel, Cheryl and me on. Adult memories of many card games of 31. Always so loving. I will miss you. Love you always, Pete
Melanie kenney
November 14, 2020
I will never forget the love you had for pinochle and the games we had,the time you spent with Deb,cheri and You were so kind and loving. You will always be in my heart, I will miss you and love you always.
Josh Jakobitz
November 14, 2020
Please receive our most profound condolences.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in HAVEN SMITH's name
Memorial Events
for HAVEN SMITH
How to support HAVEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor HAVEN SMITH's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
