Dorothy E. Phelps

Dorothy E. Smith Phelps, 94, of Triangle, New York passed away on March 22, 2026 at the home of her son, Gary (Kim) along with her loving family. Born in Triangle, NY on September 22, 1931. She was the daughter of Earl (Vennis) and Marie Vosburg. In addition to her parents and husbands, Emerson Smith and Burr Phelps, she was predeceased by a sister, Ina Mae Weeks; brother, Daniel Vosburg; and stepson, Kevin Phelps.

A lifelong resident of the area, Dorothy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She worked hard her entire life. While raising her family, she helped run the family businesses. Following Emerson’s death, she became the local Avon lady and loved visiting her customers. She went on to spend the next 40 years working at Schaeffer’s Gardens. They became trusted, caring and loyal best friends. She enjoyed spending time with family, sitting by a campfire, knitting, baking, tending her flowers, mowing lawn, and family vacations to the mountains and beyond. Her sister Ina always said that she saw the world through “rose-colored glasses”. She loved life and saw the best in every day and everyone. She was a beautiful soul.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Gary (Kim) Smith, of Triangle; daughter, Linda Smith (John Wells) of Greene; stepson, Bill (Tina) Phelps of Lansing; and brother, Robert (Barbara) Vosburg of Gasburg, Va. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren that survives her: Jason (Melanie) Smith, Joshua (Monica) Smith, Justine (Kyle) Lieb, Carly (Tim) Braman, Emma Smith (Mike Wheeler), Tim Phelps, and Mike Phelps. Her great grandchildren, Brandan (Edina), Bryson (Vanessa), Easton, Emelia, Garrett, Gage, Troy, Maggie, Aiden, Emmett and her great-great -grandchild, Amara. Also several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be determined at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy E. Phelps, please visit our floral store.