Renate Smith
July 3, 1940 - June 22, 2024
Renate Smith passed away peacefully with her daughter, Karen, by her side on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at The Birches, Newtown. She was 83. Daughter of the late Heinz and Gerda (nee Meta) Hollbach, Renate was born in Berlin, Germany on July 3, 1940. Renate met the love of her life, Ronald “Schmitty” Smith, while he was deployed in Germany to aid in United States Military Intelligence efforts. Ronald returned to the United States, and he and Renate communicated by mail for four years, before Ronald proposed to her in a letter. She soon came to the United States, the two were married, and they settled in their first home in Fallsington, Pennsylvania, where they lived for many years. Their adventures led them from there to Cincinnati, Ohio, then to Sun City, South Carolina, where they were then happily retired.
More than anything, Renate enjoyed spending time with her children and her grandchildren — who lovingly knew her as Omi. She and Schmitty cherished spending time together, were devotees to the daily crossword, enjoyed bowling, and loved to travel. Renate was known to be the life of any party, and filled every room with joy and laughter.
Predeceased by her loving husband, Ronald “Schmitty” Smith, and her son, Steven Smith, she is survived by her daughters, Christel Brown, and her husband, Donald, Karen Laureti, and her husband, Arthur, and Julie Schroeter, and her husband, Jerry. She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Morgan Hill (John), Lauren Custenborder (Taylor), Sara Laureti, Andrew Laureti (Luke), Margaret Schroeter, and Keifer Smith, and her great-grandchildren, Jack, Sophie, Emelia, and Cooper. She is also survived by her brother, Wolfgang Hollbach (Brigitte), and her niece, Claudia Kern.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 12 noon at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough. Interment, private. Friends may pay respects from 10:00am until time of Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/goto/renate-smith.
Service Details
Visitation Hours
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
10:00AM-12:00PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Memorial Service
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
12:00PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
In Memory of
Renate Smith
Upload a photo or write a condolence in memory of your loved one
Brian Brown shared a condolence
So sorry for your loss. My memories of Omi are of a kind, sweet and funny person. When I saw her she was always kind, friendly and welcoming. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. 🙏✝️❤️
6/26/2024
Edie Efthymiou shared a condolence
Being Ronnie's first cousin, I remember Renate from the very first days. I think she's finally up there with Ronnie and he is one happy man!!
7/1/2024
Roseann Hayes shared a photo and condolence
Always a fun time with Renate. May you all be at peace.
7/1/2024
Colleen Kiessling shared a condolence
Chris,Kar,Julie...sending love,strength and prayers for allof and the family. Your mom meant so much to me and will keep her close in my heart. Love you all! Col
6/26/2024
Carol Nolte shared a condolence
May all the BEAUTIFUL and WONDERFUL memories you shared and made together give you some comfort at this time. So sorry for your loss. Sending Love and prayers
~Peace Carol & Ken
6/29/2024
Karen Laureti shared a photo and condolence
My sweet German momma angel.
7/8/2024
Sheila Waters shared a condolence
Karen,Christel and Julie I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a lovely person. She has found peace from a terrible illness.
6/26/2024
Maggie Mae shared a condolence
Oh the memories I have of Renate.. she was an amazing woman and the few years I knew her were at the end but she was still beautiful and amazing . Her smile lit the room up and she is sadly missed . My condolences to her family .. May she rest in peace ..
7/1/2024
Dianne Laureti shared a condolence
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Your Mom will certainly be missed. Grateful for all the years with her and all the memories! ❤️
7/22/2024