Kathryn Smith Hill passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021 at Apple Rehab in Mystic, Ct. She
was born on June 8, 1925 in New London to Marion and Harold Gremley.
Kathryn was raised in Mystic and attended Fitch High School where she was a drum major for
the high school band. Kathryn loved music and played jazz trombone throughout her high
school experience despite her small stature. We used to kid her about playing the furthest
extension on the trumpet with one of her feet. She also played piano in the Rock of Ages, a
local band made up of long-time musicians who enjoyed playing at parties and special events.
The one caveat to her tenure with this band was that songs needed to be played in the key of C
because Kathryn never learned how to play the black keys. This was another source of
light-hearted banter with fellow musicians and family members. Regardless, if you could sing the
song, she could play it.
Kathryn was a veteran real estate broker, practicing her unique talent in many local firms,
including Henderson Real Estate, Cushman Real Estate, and Pequot Real Estate. She was a
natural salesperson who could entertain her customers with design tips, captivating stories
about the region, and light humor. I never met a client who didn’t enjoy looking at houses with
my mother. Kathryn was also a member of the Mystic Garden Club, the Ram Island Yacht club
in Noank, Ct., and the Mystic Congregational Church.
Kathryn had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that was contagious. She was also a kind
and deeply caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Kathryn was always there in
the moment and focused on the task at hand, whether it be offering advice, lending a helping
hand, or playing with the kids. And surprisingly, she was a very strong and spry playmate, able
to crawl around on the floor with her great grandchildren at the age of 90, building with legos
and pushing Hot Wheels up and down couch cushions.
Kathryn was predeceased by her mother and father, first husband, Donald Smith, and one of
her grandsons, Luke Smith. She is survived by her sons, David B. Smith and wife Robin and
Allen H. Smith and wife Lisa, four grandchildren: Scott Smith, Brett Smith, Karly Mareka and
Diane Smith, four great grandchildren, and her sister, Ruth Webster and husband William.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 25, at 11:00a, at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic. Burial in Elm Grove Cemetery will be private at a different date.
Donations can be sent to the cause of your choice.
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