Laura V. Smith, 87, Chief Telephone Operator

Laura V. Smith, of Rumford, East Providence, died  Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013,  at home. She was 87.

She was the wife of the late Joseph F. Smith.  A lifelong resident of Rumford, she was a daughter of the late Edward D. and Beatrice (Donnelly) Long.

She was the chief operator for the former New England Telephone Company for over 40 years retiring in 1984.

She was a lifelong communicant of St Margaret’s Church in Rumford, a member of the Telephone Pioneers and was a volunteer for Pawtucket Heart Health.

She leaves a son: Dennis J. Smith of North Attleboro, a daughter: Dale Jerald of Jamestown,  3 grandchildren: Brenden  and  Devin Smith and Jake Jerald and a brother: Edward D. Long, Jr. of Rumford. She was the sister of the late Beatrice Bechard and Grace Zeng.

The funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9 am from the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home, 230 Waterman St., Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St Margaret’s Church, Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. 

Calling hours are today, Sept. 13, from 5-8 pm.  Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery.