Beatrice A (Hiltz) Smith

Croydon, NH-Beatrice A. Smith, age 104, passed away peacefully at her home on Loverin Hill, February 16, 2024.  She was born May 30, 1919, in Berwick, Nova Scotia, Canada, to the late James and Ella Blanche Hiltz.

She married Robert Smith and they shared 60 years before his passing in 2014. She raised two daughters.  The family moved to Croydon in 1961, first to Cash Street and then in 1964 to the farm on Loverin Hill.

Bea moved to the United States when she was 4 and led a very interesting life.  Early years were spent on roller skates, sun-up to sun-down this would transition into working at two different roller skating rinks in CT and NJ teaching others how to master this craft and learn to dance on them.  She chauffeured for two elderly sisters, worked at Newton State Hospital and during the war she worked at Sikorsky Aircraft.  She worked for Green Acres Ice Cream until it closed and then Woodlawn Nursing Home until she retired at the age of 72.

She became Croydon’s oldest resident on August 9, 2014 receiving the Croydon Historical Society Cane.  She was a member of the Croydon Congregational Church and they became her extended family.

Bea loved all wildlife, and would spend many hours later in life just watching the birds come and go from the feeders.

Bea was predeceased by her husband, her parents, all of her siblings, Gordon, Ruby and Hilda and brothers-in-law Albert, James and John.

Bea is survived by her daughter Roberta and her husband Rick Bantle, Croydon, Charleen and her husband Edward Little, Croydon, Grandson, Nick Avery and his wife Staci, Yucca, AZ and Great Granddaughter Hayley Avery.  A very special niece, Betty Ippolitio of NC, her best friend Jan Pellerin and many nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.  A memorial service will be held at the Croydon Flat Church followed by a reception at the Fellowship hall of Bea’s favorite desserts on Saturday March 2, 2024 at 1:30 PM.

The family would like to thank the Upper Valley Hospice for all of their help.  All her friends for their love and support, especially Donna Leslie for her many wonderful letters that she received weekly.

In lieu of flowers, in Bea’s memory please put up a bird feeder or house.  Also take a moment to look up at the clouds to see what images you can see, this was one of Bea’s favorite past times since she was a child. Heaven gained a truly feisty Angel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beatrice A (Hiltz) Smith, please visit our floral store.