Valery A. Smith of Juniper Village, Sharon, a former longtime resident of Hermitage, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh.  She was 77.

Mrs. Smith was born July 14, 1939, in Erie, PA, a daughter of Martin and Versal (Kiehlmeier) Anderson.  Following her high school graduation, she earned her bachelor's degree in Art Education from Indiana University of PA.  Valery began her career as an art teacher in Pittsburgh where she was employed by Peabody High School and St. Bede Parochial Grade School for a combined 13 years.  She moved to Hermitage in 1985 and was employed as an art teacher in the Sharon City School District for 16 years, retiring in 2002.  She was also the executive director for the former Shenango Valley Arts Guild.  Valery was a master gardener and enjoyed gardening, knitting and participating in local theater.

Her husband of 31 years, Frederick Smith, passed away March 2, 1998.

Surviving is a daughter, Jennifer A. Stephenson and her husband Joseph; a son, Aaron M. Smith and his fiancé Jessica L. Weber; and two grandchildren, Alexis and Ashleigh Stephenson, all of Hermitage; and a sister, Marilyn Anderson, Pittsburgh.  Besides her husband,

Valery was preceded in death by her parents.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to any local animal advocacy organization.

At Valery's request, there are no calling hours.

Service is private.  Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.