May 12, 2012 Well-known local artist Frances "Fritzie" N. Smith passed away on May 12, 2012, one week after her 98th birthday. Raised in Whitesboro, NY, Fritzie made her mark in her home town as a founder of the local Girl Scout troop and the first cheerleader team at Whitesboro High School. A frequent visitor to Syracuse as a child, she had fond memories of her grandfather, Louis Glazier, who served as Temple Concord's first rabbi's assistant, and her Aunt Jane and Uncle Ben Ross. As a teenager, Fritzie and a friend ran a summer camp for the younger girls in the neighborhood, all of whom became lifelong friends. While a student at Syracuse University's School of Fine Arts, Fritzie met and married Seymour D. Smith. She remained active as an artist while raising her family. An avid gardener, frequent entertainer, gourmet cook and creative seamstress, she was generous with her talent in the community. Fritzie was a member of Temple Concord Sisterhood, where she was the "go to" person for decorating temple functions. She established the ceramics department at the Jewish Community Center, where she taught for many years. She was an early member of the Syracuse Ceramic Guild, a founding board member of Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music, and an early and active member of the Everson Museum of Art. Fritzie was the chief designer at Will & Baumer Candle Company for over 20 years. Although primarily a ceramic artist, she also did beautiful watercolors, murals, metal sculpture and jewelry. She exhibited her prize-winning work in many juried shows both in Central New York and Florida, where she was active in the Long Boat Key Art Institute. Fritzie will be lovingly remembered for her flair, her passion for living a rich, creative life, her fabulous hospitality, and by her children and grandchildren as a Renaissance mother and grandmother. Fritzie is survived by her three children, Lynn (Corinne), Malcolm (Sandy) of Syracuse and Robin of Highland, New York; four grandchildren, Juliette Smith Brasch (Justin), Rachael Smith Schwartz (Brian), Joshua Smith (Sherri) and Jonah Smith (Elizabeth); and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Temple Concord. A calling hour will be immediately prior to the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the temple, 910 Madison Street. Burial will be in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at Malcolm and Sandy's home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and at Lynn and Corinne's home from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions in Fritzie's memory may be made to Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music, Temple Concord or Syracuse Community Choir.