Obituary of Katherine C. Smith

Katherine C. Smith, 91, of Manalapan Township died Friday, April 14, 2023 at Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Kay was born in South River, NJ and attended Bard College and Douglass College at Rutgers University ’56 with a MS in Education. She taught honors literature at South River High School. In 1971, she moved to Manalapan Township with her late husband, Richard K. Smith, to start a wholesale tree nursery, Emelar Farms. Kay continued managing Emelar Farms after her husband’s death in 1985 with her characteristic grace, style, and elegance. Emelar Farms was her pride and joy, and she was grateful for each day on the farm. Surviving are a beloved daughter, Dr. Catherine K. Smith, a cherished cousin, Mary Wamsley, and her much loved stepson, Walter Smith. Visitation will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Van Lieu Cemetery, North Brunswick. Memorial donations to the Popcorn Park Shelter, Forked River (https://ahscares.org/ or https://ahs.givecloud.co/refuge-wishlist) would be appreciated.