M. Estellie Smith

M. Estellie Smith died on Tuesday, October 25th, 2005 after a brief illness. She was born in Buffalo, New York on December 1, 1930. She was a child of the Depression and although her parents had university degrees they were unable to find markets for these. Consequently, she developed entrepreneurial skills and an insatiable thirst for knowledge instilled in her by her parents that continued to the end. For her, speed, efficiency, independence, and frugality were key concepts that guided the way she approached life. Following graduation from high school she worked at part or full time jobs while working toward her B.A. in anthropology which she obtained in 1962 (Magna cum laude). She obtained her M.A. in 1964 and her Ph.D. in anthropology in 1967 (with highest honors) from the University of Buffalo. In 1968, she married fellow anthropologist Charles A. Bishop as the two began their life-long careers in the discipline that they both loved. Estellie taught at Florida State University (1966-69), Eastern New Mexico University (1969-70), and Southern Methodist University (1969-70) before returning to New York State in 1970. Here, she was employed by the State University of New York at Brockport (1970-76) and Oswego from 1976 until her retirement in 1995. In 1997 she and her husband moved to Albany where she became research professor of anthropology at Union College a title that she held until her death. Her students will
remember her as a dynamic teacher who gave them sound and sensible advice. During her lifetime, she achieved many honors perhaps the most outstanding being her election in 1987 as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She also held the presidency of several professional associations and belonged to numerous others. She either edited or wrote eight books and over seventy articles. Her research interests ranged widely and included Pueblo Indians, European society, societal evolution, urban anthropology, maritime anthropology, economic anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and Portuguese communities. To relax she read mystery novels, and she especially liked historical ones. She also loved classical music and Jazz, and played scrabble with her friends. She remained a loyal supporter of Buffalo football and hockey teams and her favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees. A lifetime smoker, she was rarely without a cigarette, a habit that may have contributed to her death, although she would never admit it. Estellie will be remembered by her many students, colleagues, and close friends for her sharp wit but soft heart and giving ways. She is survived by her husband. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, November 2 at 11 AM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home 343 New Karner Road Colonie. Inurnment will follow at Memory's Garden in Colonie.