Agnes C. Smith of Port Monmouth, Bernardsville, and Perth Amboy, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of November 18, 2025. Mother of two, grandmother of two, widow since 2018, teacher of English and theater, director of many plays and musical theater works, writer, painter, gardener, sister, aunt, and friend, Agnes leaves behind an impact felt deeply by her students, family, and friends.

Born in Perth Amboy, NJ, April 3, 1942, Agnes was the youngest of five siblings to graduate St. Mary's High School before going on to study English literature and Drama at Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, NY. Agnes taught high school and middle school English and Drama at Woodbridge High School, St. Elizabeth's School in Bernardsville, and finished her teaching career at North Brunswick's Linwood School. The formative, positive impact she had on her students is felt to this day.

A 30 plus year resident of Bernardsville alongside her husband, Lyle, Agnes was active in both the community and church, teaching CCD at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, and was a fixture at track, cross-country meets, and theatrical productions for their two children.

The couple retired to Port Monmouth in 1999 where she indulged her passions for art, writing, and gardening and often combed the beach with her two grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Lyle Smith, Sr.; her parents, Robert and Agnes Bates; and her four siblings: Thomas, Robert, James, and Eleanor.  She is survived by her children: Lyle, Jr. and his wife Heather, and Emily Thomas and her husband Brady; her beloved grandsons, Aiden and Brady. Also surviving are a family full of nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

Friends may call on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm at the Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords where services will begin on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10:00am followed by a 10:30am funeral liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Interment will take place in Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen.