Esther W. Smith, 81, Punta Gorda, died Sept. 1, 2002. She was born Oct. 23, 1920, in Ramsey, N.J., and came to Punta Gorda 22 years ago from Sloatsburg, N.Y. Before retiring, she was a clerk for the New York Bell Telephone Co. She was a charter member of the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club and Elkette Lodge 2606, both in Punta Gorda. Survivors include a daughter, Mildred Priest of North Fort Myers; a stepson, Richard D. Smith of Highland Mills, N.Y.; sister Lillian Fredericks of Goshen, N.Y.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Eagle Point Mobile Estates Clubhouse in Punta Gorda. National Cremation Society, Port Charlotte chapter, is in charge. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 22107 Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952; or to the American Heart Association, Attn.: Memorials, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.