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 at basketball.  In 1962, she graduated from Castleton State College with a B.S. in Education.

Ella started her teaching career with 39 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, Scott (Cindy) Hayden; her grandchildren, Josh (Christy) Martineau, Claudia (Matt)Burnham, Denay (Justin) L’Ecuyer, Mackenzie (Nick) McNiffe; her great-grandchildren, Calvin, Quinn, and Deacon.  His children Christine (Bob) Smith, Keith Smith, Raymond “Buzz” Smith; his grandchildren, Jesse, Chase, Retta Smith, Mariah Achziger, Samantha. Chelsie, and Melissa; his great grandchildren, Amber, Carlie, Danny, Jaxson, Havey, and Capri; her brother Charles (Cheryl) O’Bryan.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, Vt., 05753.  To send online condolences to her family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com. ◊