Leila O Smith

Leila O. Smith, of Chester, New York, formerly of Pearl River, New York, passed away on December 3, 2025.

Leila was born on October 4, 1933, in Manhattan, New York, to Carl Axel Oseen and Matilda Maleike Oseen. She was raised and educated in Pearl River and proudly graduated from Pearl River High School in 1951.

On March 26, 1954, she married the love of her life, Robert G. Smith, at Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Spring Valley, New York.

Over the years, Leila lived in many places she came to cherish, including Titusville, Florida (1986–1993), Mercersburg, Pennsylvania (1993–2008), and for the past 17 years, Chester, New York, but Pearl River, NY was always her home.

During her high school years, Leila was a devoted member of the Pearl River Majorettes. She continued her service to the community through her involvement in the Junior Women’s League of Pearl River and as a member of the Pearl River United Methodist Church.

Leila will be remembered for her deep love of Pearl River, her enthusiasm for the New York Yankees, her joy in antiquing, her passion for reading, and most of all, her unwavering love for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Maureen Smith, of Pearl River; her son, Thomas, of San Diego, California; and her daughters, Cindy Balzano and her husband, Lou, of Chester, New York, and Sandra Drayton and her husband, Kevin, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Matthew Balzano of Chester, New York, and Frances and Katie Drayton of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as her cherished grand-dog, Mickey. She is also survived by her cousin Raymond, her sister-in-law Lee, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Leila is predeceased by her parents, Carl and Matilda; her husband, Robert G.; her son, Robert; and her brother, Axel.

Visiting will be held at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Brick Church Cemetery. 

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