Judith Smith of Mattituck died at her home on March 12, 2018. She was 91 years old.
Born in Brooklyn on Feb. 3, 1927, she was the youngest of four daughters born to Ida and Samuel Gutterman.
In 1946, she married Seymour Smith, who predeceased her in 1982. She later married Victor Hettena of Woodmere, where they lived following her many years of living in Brooklyn and Rockaway Beach. In 2003 she moved to Mattituck to live with her son Ronald and his family.
Judith’s love for travel took her throughout Europe and the Middle East. She often told the story of being trapped in a dust storm in Egypt. Known for her sense of humor, her beautiful smile and good heart, Judith found time to participate in Congregation Tifereth Israel in Greenport and as a CAST volunteer. She was a regular at the Mattituck-Laurel Library. She had a passion for reading and enjoyed attending Rosemary’s yoga classes and other activities at the library. She loved to walk and spend time at the beach. Judith attended every concert, play, soccer game and event for her grandchildren in the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District. You could hear her in the stands yelling, “You go girl!” Everyone knew Judith and welcomed her with a smile and an arm to hold wherever she went in town.
She worked as a senior administrative assistant at Merrill Lynch in Manhattan for 30 years and was a valued employee and acknowledged for her many contributions.
Judith is survived by her son Ronald, daughter-in-law Anne, and grandchildren Jacob, Rebekah and Caleb. Her family included the wonderful team at Senior Helpers with her best friend Mala at her side during the last year of her life.
There was a private funeral and burial at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens on March 16, 2018. Rabbi Howard Diamond officiated.
Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Mattituck Laurel Library and East End Hospice.