Doryce Smelter

Doryce Ruth Ohlin Smelter, born April 2nd, 1928 went home to be with her Lord and Savior January 5th 2025 in peace and with love surrounding her.

She is the second of seven children born to Ruth Anna Nelson Ohlin and Paul Edward Ohlin Sr. She is predeceased by her Parents and five of her siblings, Phyllis Demaris Ohlin Gammon, Betty Elinor Ohlin, Pearl Inez Ohlin Juris, Ruth Anne Ohlin Steeves, Paul Edward Ohlin Jr. She was married to William Henry Smelter III for 16 years before his untimely homegoing at age 42. She lives on through her three children William Gregg Smelter (Donna), Robin Lee Smelter and Ruth Anne Smelter Piscitelli (Frank), along with 8 grandchildren Justice, Jason, Erik, Amy, Morgan, Anthony, Cece and Frankie and 5 great grandchildren Mateo, Maya, Max, Noah and Amelia, her sister Gail Ohlin Osborne, sister-in-law Elaine Ohlin, and many nieces and nephews.

Doryce graduated New Milford High school in 1945 received an associates of science degree from Becker Jr College 1947, attended the University of Bridgeport, received a Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut University and a Master of Arts from Fairfield University. She was certified to teach biology and business and was on the state board of business and office education. She taught at Weston High School for 17 years.

Doryce was a member of Black Rock Church since 1954 when she married Bill Smelter. She has dedicated herself to the Lord and consistently participated in serving the church in any way that she could. This included singing the choir, teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School, sitting on various boards, being the secretary for the elder board and going on 10 mission trips. Doryce was skilled in many things including refinishing and reupholstering furniture, caning chairs, gardening, baking, preserving jams and jellies, baking apple pies and building playhouses. She was given the gift of hospitality from the Lord and used this gift many times to host people in her home whether it was for a friendly meal or to stay for a while. She was generous in sharing what she had and sought to help people in need. She enjoyed being with people and has made many friends throughout her years.

A life celebration service will take place at Black Rock Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield CT 06825 on January 18th 2025 at 1:00 pm with refreshments immediately following. In lieu of flowers, it was Doryce’s wish that you contribute to the Missions fund at Black Rock Church in her memory.