In loving memory of
Elizabeth Breig Smith
January 17, 1938 – March 9, 2025
Virtual Memorial Gathering
May 17, 2025
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Elizabeth Breig Smith Obituary
Betty was born on January 17th, 1938 to Joseph and Mary Breig in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her full life wound its course through Cleveland, Greensburg, back to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and finally a short time in Seattle.
In her own words:
My path was influenced first by my mother and father, initially in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and later in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and the teachers and people we met as a family during the first eighteen years of my life. Secondly, it was influenced, by the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill which I entered in September of 1956. I knew no one when I arrived there. These women were ahead of the curve of the me-too movement.The members of the order became my sisters and influenced my understanding of the world through teaching, gaining a BA in Modern European History and later enrolled in Duquesne University for a MA in Modern European History. I began my teaching career during this time, teaching first fifth grade, secondly, a seventh-eighth split, and finally at several high schools. Thirdly, my life was influenced by many people after I received a dispensation from my vows and began to teach in the public schools, first in the Pittsburgh area and later in Philadelphia, first at Comegys (1970-1977), and then at Ellwood School in East Oak Lane (1977-2003).
In early 1970, I married an African American man named Charles Horace Smith, and learned about racism in the United States. Our son, Bud, was born in September. (I did not realize that until 1967 inter-racial marriage was outlawed in most states in the union.) Fifty years later, it is still frowned upon. I have been widowed since 1990, retired since 2003. My life has given me confidence that given the opportunity, I can accomplish anything. More importantly, my eighty plus years have convinced me to continue to learn, to develop, to understand.
Betty was an amazing teacher, a relentless genealogist, a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a devoted wife to Charles Horace Smith Sr, and then a faithful partner to Mitchell Fowlks. She is survived by her son, Buddy, sister Geena, brothers Jim and Joe, grandchildren Chip, Kya, Ricky and Cheryl, and a myriad of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org
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It’s been a long time since I’ve been in touch with Miss Betty, but this morning my mom mentioned that she was thinking about her this past Saturday. I decided to look her up and that’s when I learned that she had passed.
I am so sorry for your loss and have many memories of witnessing her joyful and fun interactions with Buddy. I hope that family and friends find some comfort in your memories with her. God bless her.
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Thanks Buddy for this gift to all or us. I am Regina’s good friend. One of the many things that made your mother so special to me was
her blunt directness and her open sharing of herself. Very rare.. I absolutely loved the way you interacted with your mother. Your mom was indeed special – but so are you!
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I am not sure how old I was when “Pokey” left the Sisters of Charity. I remember thinking that it must have taken a great deal of courage on her part to do so. When she returned home to Cleveland Heights I remember that she soon took up driving lessons. It struck me then that learning to drive must be an important part of becoming an independent woman.
My memory of her is that of a sweet, kind, and soft-spoken person who was fun to be around. She was always someone that I admired.
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When we walked around the neighborhood of McKinley, I was amazed of your knowledge about the history of the area, and the community I grew up in, and the history we shared. The first home was 407 Cadwalader Avenue (the first six years of my life). The second home, and present to this day, is 323 Tulpehocken Avenue. I spoke of many residents of the past and present in McKinley. We would speak about the Lord often and His Guidance. We also would speak about the Democratic Party, and we both looked forward to every Election Day at the Polls.
Betty, you are together with Christ in Eternity and back with Mr. Charles Smith. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 — Jesus Christ Is The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. May the Spirit of the Lord Wrap His Loving Arms Around the Hearts’ of the Family.
In Christ,
David Jonathan Walker
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Betty Smith was a lifelong educator and strong supporter of the field of public history, she believed that the past was not just a series of events, but a mosaic of human experiences waiting to be understood, honored, and learned from. Born with a deep curiosity and a desire for knowledge, Betty pursued the study of history and genealogy not just as career but as a calling. After retirement in 2003, she focused on local archives and oral traditions, and over the years, her scholarship expanded to illuminate broader narratives—especially those that had too often been overlooked: the voices of women, marginalized communities, and forgotten movements that helped define America. Betty’s research approach was always grounded in empathy. The connections she made were less about memorizing dates and more about understanding people: their choices, struggles, triumphs, and legacies. Her work in preserving historic landmarks and fostering public history projects reflected her belief that history belongs to everyone—that it lives not just in record books, but in neighborhoods, traditions, and personal stories. May she rest in peace. Forever in our Hearts.
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I met Betty over 40 yrs ago. We were both teachers. She was so gentle, kind loving and caring. Betty was a very intellectual individual and we would debate on many subjects. However, our love for each other was most important. ❤️ I will miss you dearly my friend. Rest in peace 🙏. ❤️
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My Gram Betty I love you and always will may you keep protecting the ones you did in the flesh 🙏🏿
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I’m so glad I got to help her celebrate her last birthday. She was still feisty and full of life. Forever rest in peace 💚
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Besides being a great teacher and a true friend, Betty was a sweetheart. She & I traveled to many doll shows together, attended luncheons & movies together. I really miss her & our fun times together.
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Betty was a wonderful neighbor and dear friend. May she rest in piece.
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I’ll always remember Betty as the neighborhood messenger. She would attend Mckinley Civic Association meetings at the firehouse and give me all the updates.
Whenever I walked my dog Callie, Betty would stop and greet us and asked about my mom.
She’ll be greatly missed and her kindness was always appreciated.
May she rest in peace!
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I am grateful for the support and advice Betty shared with me over the years about becoming involved in community activities. First Betty helped and counseled me on how to become more active in my school community. I became the Union Representative for my school.
Later when I retired Betty advised me on how to become a volunteer poll worker in our neighborhood. I continue to participate as an elected poll worker.
Betty has also helped other members in our community become more involved. I consider myself blessed to have known Betty both as a mentor and friend in the neighborhood that we both lived.
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Living next door to the Breig family for many years meant my sisters & I would have a wonderful childhood
and my parents would have great neighbors. We knew Elizabeth as “Pokey”, though I never knew why, as she always seemed smart &
quite capable. I was a year younger than Geena, so by the time I was 8 years old, she was out of the house. I believe she must have
been very patient and wise regarding our constant playing, laughing and doing “creative things”. She never said an unkind word to us
and let us be, as our adventures multiplied. Speaking to her as an adult, I appreciated her intellect and knowledge about so many topics.
She was enthusiastic, dedicated and an inspiration to me. We were privileged to know her. God bless, Pokey.
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My name is Sherece Talley. I had Ms. Elizabeth Smith as an 8th grade teacher at Ellwood in 1986-87. Ms. Smith was an amazing teacher. I developed an appreciation for history because of the way Ms. Smith taught American History. She was patient and exuded a calmness with a group of “budding” young teenage students. Later in life, I had the privilege of returning to Ellwood as a substitute teacher.
I was surprised to see her as the lead administrator at the middle school building. I’ve had many teachers in my lifetime, however I will never forget Ms. Smith. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her. Ms. Elizabeth Smith truly made an impact in my life, as a student.
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I have so many great childhood memories. Thank You Gram Betty 🙂
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My sister was 10 when I was born so in many ways she was a second mom taking me to movies circus to train dogs with her friend Nancy she was supportive as I wandered to adulthood
We never lived together after she graduated high school but we visited and talked on the phone often daily for periods
She was inspiring as she became involved politically and active in genealogy doll club and other community events.
She was always fun and interested in people’s stories. Loving to her family bragging about us all
In the family particularly her son Buddy I miss talking to her. She was an independent single woman then a loving wife then a widow she called them the chapter s in her book of. Life. Now she is with her husband in the final chapter talking with all her people whose lives she touched. I miss you everyday until we meet again our love lives on. Rest in peace
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Just like my friendship with Buddy since 1974, we ebbed and flowed and Betty always knew who his friends were throughout all stages of our lives over the last 50 years. I think she & I were friends on Facebook before Buddy & I were and she remembered all the stories, birthday parties etc that went along for all those years. . Great soul! Always enjoyed catching up with Betty
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I miss my neighbor and friend Betty Smith. We had the greatest talks about family, history, work, weather, politics, the community, ancestry and the neighborhood. We could talk for hours, while walking and greeting those nearby. May Betty rest in peace and may her family be comforted and strengthened in the days and months ahead.