North Greenbush- Elizabeth Mercedes Smith age 87 of North Greenbush passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016 at Albany Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Beth was born on Sept. 4, 1929 in Long Harbour, Newfoundland to the late Daniel J. and Mary T. Coady Bruce. She moved to the United States in 1957 and settled in the capital district for the rest of her life. Mrs. Smith spent most of her teaching career at St. John's Academy, retiring at the age of 72 from the educational field. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, enjoyed traveling, especially with her best friend of 58 years Corrie Siligato. Beth was a devout catholic and a great role model for her faith and belief in God. She loved her family, grandchildren and great granddaughter. She was the rock of the family. Wife of the late George A. Smith, Jr. Mother of George A. (Pam) Smith, III, Mary Beth (Nick) Ferriere and Paul Gerard (Deborah) Smith. Grandmother of Hunter Smith, Colleen (David) Aitken, Kyle Smith, Shelby Ferriere, Ryan Smith, Rachel Ferriere and Tara Smith. Great grandmother of Leah Aitken. Sister of Mary Rose (Raymond) O'Neill, Josephine (late Thomas) Griffiths, Harold F. (Kitty) Bruce, Francis J. (late Lillian) Bruce, Jean M. (Paul) Hebert, Bernard A. (late Gertrude) Bruce, Marion M. Bruce, Reginald J. (Pegi) Bruce and the late Daniel G. (Mary) Bruce, Margaret (Gerald) Kelly, Cecil P. Bruce and Edward F. Bruce. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer, Weds. Dec. 28 at 8:30 and 9:30 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Williams Rd. where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the funeral home Tuesday from 4-7 PM. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105.