Nancy J. Smith

Smith, Nancy J., 78, Johnstown, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born September 22, 1944, in Johnstown, PA, daughter of Herbert (Kyle) and Ethyl Brant. Preceded in death by parents; daughter, Elizabeth Ann "Bethie"; grandson, Trevor Chase, and husband Tom. Nancy is survived by children, William "Bill" Smith and wife, Kim, Johnstown, Brenda (Identical twin sister of deceased daughter Bethie), and husband Joe Torchia, Jr., Johnstown, Kyle Smith and wife, Gina, Windber and Tom Smith and wife, Sherry, Johnstown; grandchildren, Lilli Waller and husband Nathan, Colorado Springs, CO, Kegan, and Riley Smith; Shanell Torchia and Richard, SSG. Adken and wife, Emily, Beauregard Al, Brennen Gorbar, Altoona, Jade Erickson and husband, Kevin Windber, Kyle Jr. And wife, Brooke Windber, Hunter and wife Kali Johnstown, Shadoe and wife Ashlee Windber, Keyli, and Mikayla Smith Columbus OH; Great-grandchildren, Emma, Karson, Lincoln, D'Angelo, Nai'La, Nina, Emilia, Selah, Avery, Beau, Colby, and Presley. Nancy was a 1962 graduate of Ferndale Area High School where she excelled at cheerleading. Nancy met the love of her life Tom Smith soon after, who later became her husband. They purchased their family home in Geistown, where they raised their 5 children. Nancy worked at Niessners Flowers Shop; 1974 – 2005. She created many lifelong friendships along the way. Nancy was the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach at The Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech; 1980- 1982 She coached the team to its first ever cheer championship at The Cambria County War Memorial Cheerleading Invitational in 1981. She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Nancy was an avid sports fan, attending every possible event showing support for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a unique love for football which started with the St. Benedict Panthers, then continued with The Bishop McCort Crushers, St. Francis University Red Flash, The Richland Rams, The Windber Ramblers, The Pittsburgh Steelers. The last game she attended was cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes a short time ago. Nancy enjoyed collecting and decorating her home with Jim Shore Santas. She was a dedicated caretaker for her family, especially for her daughter Bethie who passed away at the age of 7. Later in life she continued her selfless actions of caring for others by taking care of her husband Tom for 17 years. Nancy was loved by relatives and many lifelong friends she will be missed dearly. A special thank you to everyone at Windber Hospice for all the loving care that Nancy received. A special thank you to Dr. Kelly Warshel and Danielle Warshel, R.N. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bishop McCort Named Scholarship program in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Friends received 3-8 pm Friday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil Service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Committal at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. (www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)