Longtime Spa City resident celebrates 106th birthday

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Longtime Spa City resident Elizabeth “Bet” Smith celebrated her 106th birthday on Sunday, marking the start of a new year for the beloved centenarian.

Born on June 26, 1916, Smith has experienced a lot in her 106 years, and she’s still finding ways to have fun.

As part of her birthday festivities, her family is taking her to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a new digital art exhibition in Schenectady.

Smith, who once studied fine arts at Syracuse University, creates art herself, though she’s extremely modest about her talents. Staff and fellow residents at Woodlawn Commons, a retirement community within The Wesley Community, appreciate Smith’s artwork when it’s on display.

Most recently, Smith has been spending time drawing with colored pencils. “I keep busy constantly,” she said, sharing that she participates in music and exercise programs at Woodlawn Commons as well.

While keeping busy is likely a factor in Smith’s longevity, it also runs in her family. She has two younger sisters that are also more than 100 years old, one who lives nearby within The Wesley Community and another in Glens Falls.

Smith, along with her siblings, spent her early years in Syracuse. Then she moved around quite a bit with her husband Walter Snowdon Smith III, to whom she was married for more than 60 years. Smith speaks very highly of her late spouse, who served in World War II and was one of the first Americans wounded in the attack on Pearl Harbor, losing a leg.

“He was just remarkable,” she said, speaking of how her husband carried on with all sorts of activities as an amputee. “It just made no difference in his life.”

In recent months, Smith had a leg amputated, too, and her husband’s experience gave her confidence. “That really played a big part in making this an easy decision for me,” she said.

After raising their three children, the Smiths moved to Cape Cod, where they became entrepreneurs. Together, they operated a shop called The Wildfowlers, selling art and antiques. “We had that shop for 15 years, and we loved it,” Smith recalled. “We had a ball.”

In the 1980s, the couple relocated to Saratoga Springs to be closer to family, which now includes five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. “Now it’s home,” Smith said. “I’ve lived here longer than I’ve lived anyplace.”

Smith just recently moved to Woodlawn Commons, and reports that she likes it so far.

Likewise, The Wesley Community is thrilled to have Smith among the residents at Woodlawn Commons. “Bet has got great spirit,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community, and certainly has fantastic genes.”

On Friday, Woodlawn Commons threw a birthday party for Smith. “It’s always a privilege when we’re able to honor our residents who have made it to the century mark,” Nealon said, sharing that Smith is the oldest resident at Woodlawn Commons and one of the oldest within the entire Wesley community.

He added, “She’s a very special lady.”