Ida Rose Smythe

April 09, 1929 - August 01, 2020

Obituary For Ida Rose Smythe

Ida Rose Smythe (Giangreco) was born in 1929 to Josephine and Salvatore Giangreco of Auburn, New York. She was one of five tight knit siblings. Her marriage of 62 years, to Robert Paul Smythe of Auburn, New York, was built on friendship as co-workers at General Electric and love as they journeyed together to Syracuse, NY and later to Raleigh, NC. They have three children Robert Jr (partner, Julie), Alyssa (husband, John), and Erika (husband, Aaron). In addition, five grandchildren, Jordan (husband, Jeremy), Robert, Finnegan, Jameson, Caroline, great grandson Arthur and her adored Havanese, Lucy. She was beloved by her many cousins, nieces and nephews many who called her their second mother.

Ida volunteered throughout her life including scout leader (boys & girls), held backyard carnivals to raise money for various community service organizations and was an active member of her church, St. Raphael the Archangel of Raleigh, NC where she contributed 33 years of service. She was a devoted daughter, sister, cousin, mother, and aunt as she fulfilled her role as Matriarch of the family. She lived life to the fullest, enjoyed laughing, dancing and entertaining. As a devout catholic, she was strong in her faith and family values. Ida gave it to you straight and at times “unfiltered” but, found a way to care for everyone she met. Ida was one of a kind and her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with, as well as those she touched but never met. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a brief interment ceremony held at the columbarium at St. Raphael’s church. Details will be privately disclosed. Due to health concerns, the family has chosen to do a formal memorial mass at a later date, when it is safe for loved ones to travel and her final wishes can be accomplished. We will advise options for flowers or contributions when arrangements for the memorial mass will be planned.

Please sign into the page link below and share your thoughts or favorite memories of Ida. May her acts of service be a lasting light to all of us. We thank you for your love and support.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

St Raphael Church Columbarium 5801 Falls Of Neuse Rd Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

April 05, 2021

Ann Kolb

I loved Ida as a second mother, friend and co-worker. I will treasure our time together. Ann Kolb
September 01, 2020

judy Johnson

I loved her sense of humor her bluntness and feistiness.. we always had some great chats and she was a trusted confidant..I will miss her dearly..:disappointed_relieved::heart:
September 01, 2020

Tom Giangreco

I recall my week spent at Uncle Bob and Aunt Idas home in Liverpool. It was down a hill and not far from the canal. Bobby and I tried to catch some fish ~ but no luck. All I caught was a cold. True to her form Aunt Ida diagnosed my condition and proscribed bedrest with humidification with Vicks Vaporub. It did the trick and I recovered! No grass ever grew under her feet and for every problem Aunt Ida had a solution. We take solace in her well lived life and share our love with Uncle Bob and all of our cousins as we bless her soul and pray to be as good and selfless as Aunt Ida. Requiescat In Pace Tom Giangreco & Family
September 01, 2020

Jennie Gunther

All our thoughts and prayers are sent to Ida's family and friends. Had the honor of working with Ida on many St. Raphael Church projects. She will be missed. John & Jennie Gunther
September 01, 2020

SANDY HAHN

ted and I worked with Ida many times volunteering and became dear friends, she worked and served constantly while enduring so much pain. they were a great couple and add a great dog, you got a little heaven. I know where she is and right now, she is organizing the kitchen and setting up brunch. My prayers are with her dear husband and I pray his memories help him heal, and just know she is watching over all of you and she can walk each day in heaven without pain. rest in peace my friend, AS YOU WERE A GREAT SERVANT.
September 01, 2020

Linda R Lenzmeier

Rarely have I met anyone who served so selflessly. I can hear God saying "This is my beloved, in whom I'm well-pleased." Rest peacefully, dear Ida. Linda Lenzmeier
September 01, 2020

Marie Fuerst

I am so happy to have been blessed with not only a wonderful Aunt but with a unique person who was my confidant, my venting board and a second Mom. We spoke frequently reminisced about the old days. We laughed sometimes felt sad about her siblings especially my Mom As a young girl, I spent all my summers in Auburn with my grandparents and Aunt Ida who was young and fiesty. She had loads of friends and she would hang out with them,however, when I was there, grandma would insist. if you are going out, you take Marie with you. She would argue with her but at the end Grandma always won so I was her little side kick. At the end of the summer she was happy to see me go home.. My memories of Aunt Ida will always be those of fun, happy, caring for people. She was always there for everyone. She loved hard,she cared deeply and was loved back by all. When she passed suddenly, I shed a lot of tears, but now, when she comes into my thoughts I dont shed a tear, I just smile. SHE IS HOME WITH HER LOVE ONES and I know she is still looking after the loved ones she left behind. Aunt Ida RIP until we meet again. MARIE FUERST
September 01, 2020

Anna Vieira

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Ida. She will be missed dearly. Anna Vieira
September 01, 2020

Jordan

My grandmother will be missed tremendously. There is no one else like her.