MOUNT VERNON – Mrs. Regina "Rene" Vath Smythe, passed away on Aug. 17, 2023, at the age of 97. She was born Aug. 7, 1926, in Queens, New York to Josef Vath and Hilda Diebler Vath. She was their only child.
Her German immigrant parents relocated the family to Lititz, Pennsylvania where she grew up. She was a 1948 graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. During WWII, she proudly worked summers at the Victor Mouse Trap Factory grading bullet cores and at the Wilbur Chocolate Company working on tropical chocolate. She moved to New York City after college and worked as a research technician at the Rockefeller Institute.
During this time, she met her beloved husband Dr. Richard L. Smythe. After a quick courtship, they were married in 1950. They moved to Boston, MA, and then Columbus, OH, but eventually settled in Mount Vernon, OH where Richard practiced medicine for 33 years. Rene raised four children and was active in the community, taking a particular interest in education. She served with pride on the Mount Vernon Public School Board for many years. She opened her door to many Kenyon students over the years, giving them a home away from home.
Rene was a talented traditional quilter and her quilts were featured in both publications and in a Lander University exhibition. Once they retired, Rene and Dick relocated to Canfield, OH for many years before finally moving to Greenwood, SC.
Rene is survived by her two daughters, Catherine E. Smythe of Asheville, NC, Barbara S. Holman (John W.) of Greenwood, SC, her son, William P. Smythe of Gig Harbor, WA, her daughter-in-law, Diane I. Smythe of Palm Harbor, FL, grandchildren, John C. Holman (Aubrie) of Annadale, VA, Christine S. Valiant (Matt) of Palm Harbor, Fl, Elizabeth H. Reynolds (Alex) of Charlotte, NC, William P. Smythe of Miami, FL, and five great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, as well as her youngest son, Thomas Christopher Smythe. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences, please visit www.BlythFuneralHome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Smythe family with arrangements.
