Gail M. Smith

Gail M. Smith, 78, Rexford, NY, passed away on Friday February 21, 2025 at Saratoga Hospital. Born December 10, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY., she was the daughter of the late James A. and Margaret Smith. 

Ms. Smith received both a B.A. and M.S. in Education from SUNY Oneonta and an M.S. in Educational Administration from SUNY Albany. A lifelong educator, Ms. Smith made a tremendous impact on countless students, families, and staff throughout her career in Schenectady City School District - as an elementary classroom teacher, middle school administrator, Assistant Superintendent, & finally as Deputy Superintendent. Post retirement, she continued her passion for education as an administrator in schools on Fort Apache & Navajo Nation Reservations. Ms. Smith worked tirelessly as a civil rights advocate and community change-maker for many years, including serving on the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission Committee, as well as the Schenectady County Martin Luther King Coalition. 

Ms. Smith is survived by her children Christopher Aycox and his wife, Klara, of Prosec Nad Nisou, Czech Republic, and Karin (Aycox) Welling and her husband, Dave, of Gainesville, VA; 7 grandchildren, Radim, David, Laura, Oliver, and Gabby of Prosec Nad Nisou, Emma and Samuel of Gainesville. She is also survived by her sister, Judy, and her niece, Sheri of Sarasota, FL. In addition to her parents, Ms. Smith was predeceased by her daughter Laurin Aycox. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4pm-630pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. A sharing of memories will begin at 6:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ACLU, Huntington's Disease Society of America, or the Gateway House of Peace would be greatly appreciated.