Libby Smith:
CLASS OF 1968
Somerville High SchoolClass of 1968
Somerville, NJ
Raritan Valley Community CollegeClass of 1970
North branch, NJ
Libby's Story
Well, here goes...
As a Sr. at SHS, I was the Valkyrie Business Manager; Business Manager or Asst. Business Manager of the Yearbook (I can't remember); was part of the color guard in the band; A'Cappela Choir; Service League.
After graduation, I went to then Somerset County College and earned an Associates Degree; then transferred to Montclair State with the intention of earning a bachelor's degree in Bus. Ed. Only stayed for one semester. Just didn't like it. So, I went home, got a job, and found that most of my good friends in high school were away at college. So, I started going back to church, back to that choir. Little did I know the next chapter of my life was to begin right at St. John's Episcopal church on W. High Street, where I had grown up, attended Sunday School, sang in the choir, and attended youth group while in high school.
The parish had called a young priest as their assistant, and lo and behold, we hit it off very well. The church was always very important to me, and the next thing you know, I was engaged to Walter Smith, and we have been married for nearly 37 years!
In 1973, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which has been a major part of my life. I have had multiple orthepedic surgeries to keep going, lots of pain, meds, and all that goes with it. However, despite it all, I am still on my feet and pretty functional.
Along the way, Walt and I had two children - our daughter, Jessica, born in 1973. She is married to a great guy. Both are managers of retail stores. They have two children - a 4 yr old son, and an 18 mo old daughter. They work and live very nearby.
Our son Robert joined the family when he was born in 1979. He is married to a lovely young woman. Thay do not have any children yet. She teaches Kindergarten and 1st grade. Rob is a professional magician, who has performed at state fairs, in Vail, CO, at Disney, and down in Mexico to name a few. Also at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiests. They, too, live nearby.
In 1980, we picked up our life...Expand for more
and moved to New Mexico. First, down in southern NM for 4 years. We've been in Albuquerque since 1984. Walt had a parish church first, and when we moved to Albuquerque, he became a hospital chaplain, which he did for about 11 years. He then went back into parish ministry, took another small church and built a large physical plant and congregation. During those years, I worked as a secretary in the office of our Bishop, and then in our parish office.
We were blessed with retirement at the end of 2005. Jan 1, 2006, we were free of employment responsibilities, and began our retirement life.
We had decided many years ago that we wanted to travel and live in our RV during retirement, so that first year we were on the road for about six months.
Some of our travel is centered on our dogs, as we show pure bred dogs - Bernese Mountain Dogs. So, we hit a few shows in the fall, a number in the spring. We have a great group of friends in the Bernese world, so that is a bright part of our lives.
We began to spend our summers in Colorado when we retired. We load up the RV with the dogs, my electric scooter, and we head to Silverton. Walt works at an old time photo studio taking pictures of folks in vintage clothing/costumes. I wark part time at the gift shop next door. It is a lovely, relaxing way to spend our summers.
During the winter, we are home except for abbreviated travel to dog shows. Walt and I have multiple vices in the form of hobbies. My particular ones are counted cross stitch, which I stitch and design; beading; reading; surfing; hanging with my friends, kids, and especially my grands. Still a Mets fan! I am getting ready to begin volunteering in my d-i-l's classroom a couple of afternoons a week. Should be fun.
All in all, life is good. It's hard to believe we're 58. Where has time gone?
I am hoping to connect with former SHS friends and classmates, finding out what lives have been like, etc.
Sincerely, Libby Dodge Smith
3/28/2010
I can be found on Facebook at Libby Dodge Smith.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!