Sister Hannah Ruth Smith

Sr. Hannah Ruth Smith, a member of The Society of the All Saints Sisters of the Poor for 63 years, died after a short illness on February 20, 2023.  She was 86 years of age.

A Maryland native, Sr. Hannah was born on June 1, 1936 to Ruth and Dureward Smith in Elkridge, the fourth of seven children.  Her mother died when she was a young girl.  Her father remarried and she gained Nettie, a loving stepmother.  All in all Sister Hannah had two older sisters; Ann and Dorothy, one older brother, James, and three younger brothers Joseph, George and Carroll her stepbrother. She is predeceased by her parents and stepmother, and siblings Ann, James, and Joseph.

Sr. Hannah never believed she had any gifts despite being an excellent seamstress, a natural caregiver, a creative artist of all things small, and a talented gardener.  She learned the art of sewing from watching her mother make the family clothing and for many years served as the Sister in Charge of our Sewing Room where she not only made our habits but the individualized patterns as well.  She had personal experience as a caregiver as she tended to her mother throughout her illness and later took care of her stepmother and father in their final days.  In the Community, this talent became evident as she served as Infirmarian taking care of our sick and elderly Sisters.  At St. Gabriel’s Home, she helped to care for the blue babies and for the retarded children in residence.  

She had an incredible gift of creativity; of being able to make something out of nothing, often producing miniature angels, Nativity scenes, creches, and any number of other figures and tiny keepsakes giving most away to her Sisters and to family and friends.  Her creativity was also evident in her gardens, especially Angel’s Knoll where visitors could follow the path that wound around the hilly garden.  Along the way, there were statues of angels and animal figures to find and appreciate.  The most beautiful and largest angel being the one given to her by her family guarding the entire knoll from its place at the very top.

Sr. Hannah never shirked a duty and was always willing to help when help was needed.  As an All Saints Sister she gave of herself and held nothing back.  She was faithful to her vows, faithful to her duties, and faithful to the One who called her His own.  She leaves behind not only the members of her Community, but her remaining siblings, as well as, countless nieces and nephews. We will all be poorer without her, but heaven will be so much richer.

In lieu of flowers and in observance of Lent, contributions may be made in Sr. Hannah's memory to The All Saints Sisters of the Poor.

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