BRISTOL — Ella O’Bryan-Smith, 84, passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.

Born in Bristol, she was the daughter of Cullen and Nina O’Bryan and grew up on the family farm in New Haven. She attended the local elementary school and graduated from Beeman Academy in 1958, where she excelled in basketball. In 1962 she graduated from Castleton State College with a B.S. in Education.

Ella started her teaching career with thirty-nine first graders. She spent most of her teaching years in the Orange North Supervisory Union. Her love of teaching earned her the UVM Outstanding Teacher Award in 1984.

She enjoyed golfing, making quilts and spending time with family and friends.

Ella is survived by her husband of 20 years, Charles Smith; her children, Robin (David) Martineau and Scott (Cindy) Hayden; her grandchildren, Josh (Christy) Martineau, Claudia (Matt) Burnham, Denay (Justin) L’Ecuyer and Mackenzie (Nick) McNiffe; her great-grandchildren, Calvin, Quinn, and Deacon; Charles’ children, Christine (Bob) Smith, Keith Smith and Raymond “Buzz” Smith; his grandchildren, Jesse, Chase, Retta Smith, Mariah Achziger and Samantha, Chelsie, and Melissa; his great-grandchildren, Amber, Carlie, Danny, Jaxson, Havey, and Capri; and her brother Charles (Cheryl) O’Bryan.

The graveside service to honor and celebrate her life will be held in late spring. There are no calling hours.◊