Constance E. Smith

Constance Eisler Smith of Holland Township, NJ passed away on January 3, 2021 at Runnells Center for Rehabilitation in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

She was born May 3, 1926 in Newark, NJ, the youngest daughter of Charles and Frieda Eisler (nee Schwartz) who immigrated from Budapest, Hungary.
Constance was educated at Miss Beard's School in Orange, NJ and attended Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ. In 1947 she married Dr. Harold M.S. Smith. Their first home was in East Hanover, NJ where she raised their 3 children while managing their busy veterinary office and small horse farm.

Constance was predeceased by her beloved husband Harold in 2007. More recently she was predeceased by her 3 siblings Charles Eisler, Jr., Martha Leff and Ruth Forrest.
She is survived by her daughter Dr. Suzanne Smith of Holland Township, NJ with whom she lived through 2019. She is also survived by sons Stephen of Santa Fe, NM, Andrew and his wife Lynn Lewandowski of Bellows Falls, VT, and Connie's grandson Michael Craig and his wife Monica Volk of Oakland, CA.

Connie's 60 years of marriage saw many changes. In 1982 Connie and Harold relocated their home and the veterinary practice to a former dairy farm in Holland Township. Connie was instrumental in the design work and restoration of their Colonial era house and the renovation of the dairy barn into a modern veterinary hospital.
She was always fond of animals, both large and small. For a combined 45 years she managed the veterinary office for Harold and later for her daughter Suzanne when she joined the practice in 1982. As office manager, Connie's remarkable recall of the owners, their animals and the cases came naturally. She greatly enjoyed the beauty of Hunterdon County.

Connie was a dedicated and patient wife and mother. She also had many talents and interests: an avid interior designer and needleworker and a life-long student of the piano. As an accomplished potter she exhibited her pottery at several juried shows. She was a member of the National Council of Jewish Women, a past officer of Holland Township Women's Club and a past officer of the NJ Veterinary Medical Associations Auxiliary. She also studied Holocaust history extensively and worked to add books on the subject to area libraries.

Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Food Bank, or the Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, Alabama.

Condolences

From: Eileen and Frank Shoudt
Sorry to hear about your mother, she was a talented individual and a fixture at the office to greet all the furry friends and owners.

From: Karen and Tom Santangelo
Our deepest sympathies to the family. Mrs Smith was a remarkable woman full of fascinating stories of her families past and history. Her piano playing was soothing, comforting and effortless as well as beautiful. She had a strong work ethic and was fiercely devoted to the needy and community. May she Rest In Peace! Karen and Tommy

From: Rebecca Rose
What a lovely portrait of Mrs. Smith. My sympathy to Suzanne and the family.

From: Carol Cole
With deepest sympathy. She will surely be missed. Carol Cole and family

From: David Van Gilson
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother, I have always admired her strength and passion for life. I have also enjoyed the conversations we would have while sitting in the waiting room. May she rest in peace.

From: Joan Stachnik
The Holland Township Woman's Club was enhanced by the membership of Connie Smith. Connie was a very productive member of our Club and most enthusiastic on projects. Connie was not one to sit idle, but rather dig in for the better good of the Club. Connie was a lovely hostess to meetings and events in her home. We are so very sorry to read of her passing. Joan Stachnik, President Holland Township Woman's Club

From: Maryann D. Sajor
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Smith's passing. She was a great lady, her husband was my very first horse vet and she was always great to our 4H club. When I moved out here was surprised to meet up with her again, when I brought my dog into their practice. I remember one day she invited my dog and I to ride with her on a tour of the farm in her golf cart. WOW what a ride that was!! She was a great lady in the community and will be missed by many. Rest in peace and join your husband Harold.

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