LISBON FALLS — Erna Leone Hildreth Smith passed away at home on Thursday, Feb. 9, after a brief period of declining health. Born in Lewiston to Earle C. and Gladys (Booker) Hildreth on April 20, 1930, Erna spent her youth in Lisbon and Lisbon Falls.
After graduating from Lisbon High School in 1948, she moved to Augusta, traveling the state as a typist for the Health and Welfare Tuberculosis Chest X-ray Survey. She had many fond memories of her time in Augusta: buying her first car, even before she knew how to drive, and living at Mrs. Barnekov’s boarding home for girls.
She married Eugene “Gene” W. Smith on Aug. 16, 1952, and moved to the Smith family dairy farm, where she lived until her death. Though taking a hiatus to have children, Erna worked at the Brunswick Naval Air Base for 35 years ending her career as a health benefits adviser for Champus in 1990.
Erna received her 65-year Grange pin in 2014 and continued to be active in the Grange through 2016. She was also active in the Bowdoin Historical Society and Lisbon Cemetery Association. For many years, she and Gene spent Saturday nights square dancing with the Sage Swingers. Erna had an adventurous soul that she shared with her granddaughters, taking them to a multitude of unique sites and attractions in Maine.
Erna was predeceased by her son, Errol; her husband, Eugene; and her brother Earle Hildreth.
She is survived by her son, E. Charles Smith and wife, Katherine; her daughter, Eileen Smith Porter and husband, Greg Porter; granddaughters, Erin Porter and Kathryn Porter; stepgrandchildren, Jason Moore and Jennifer Moore; her sister, Evelyn Hodge and husband, William; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Erna’s online guestbook at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.

Erna H. Smith
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