JEAN C. SMITH ITHACA - Jean C. Smith, 87, died January 8, 2010 at Hospicare in Ithaca, NY. Dr. Jean loved life and considered every day an adventure. Born in Syracuse, New York on December 28, 1922, she was the youngest daughter of Walter and Gertrude Smith. Dr. Jean was a graduate of Syracuse School of Medicine, Class of 1946, one of only five women in her graduating class. She was a Family Practitioner and a member of the Chenango Bridge Medical Group, which was started by her older brother, Dr. Robert Smith, a surgeon. The Medical Group served the surrounding rural and suburban region near Binghamton, NY, and later included several other specialists and family practitioners. Dr. Jean loved her medical practice, and even after she retired many of her patients still kept up with her. She served three generations of many families and numerous patients considered her part of their family circle. Dr. Jean loved to sing and was a member of the Harmony Falls Women's Chorus. She also loved gardening and belonged to the Trumansburg Garden Club. She was a member of the Trumansburg Taoist Tai Chi Group for several years, a member of the Methodist Women's Club, the Physicians Against Nuclear Proliferation, the Sierra Club, and served on the Board of Trustees of the Cayuga Nature Center. Dr. Jean was a world traveler and loved skiing, canoeing, and hiking in wilderness areas. She was an excellent photographer and won second prize in a national photo contest. After retiring, she took coursework in clowning, sculpting, sketching, nature photography, water colors, and writing. Dr. Jean recently celebrated her 87th birthday and requested that each of her family members and friends plant a tree next spring. This would honor her birthday and help meet the need for more trees to support all living things. Dr. Jean was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Dr. Robert Smith of Chenango Bridge, NY and Donald Smith of Syracuse, NY; one sister, Nancy Warner-Clink of Susquehanna, PA; two nieces, Anne (Smith) Patton of Nova Scotia and June (Smith-Fuller) Petty of Webster, NY. She is survived by her friend and traveling companion of nearly 60 years, Betty J. McKnight; her beloved dog, Duffy; five nieces and nephews, Robert Smith of Colesville, Washington, Susan (Randall) Taylor of Houston, Texas, Robert Klink of Binghamton, NY, Richard Klink of Avon Park, Florida, and Keith Warner of Binghamton, NY; 14 grand nieces and nephews; and 30 great-great-nieces and nephews. Dr. Jean loved all of these relatives who frequently came to Flagstone Farm to camp out, or celebrate birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. She was a great friend and community supporter. She made a difference wherever she worked and played. She will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. A Celebration of Jean's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446. www.ness-sibley.com