Gladys Mae Smith, 96, passed away February 8, 2019 after a long life of service to her community. She was born July 16, 1922 to the late David F. & Lizzie R. Smith of Perkiomenville. She grew up in Green Lane, where she went to a one room school house, graduating the second highest of her 8th grade class. She was her Class Salutatorian, and even up until 2 weeks ago she knew her speech by memory. She then traveled by train from Green Lane to Philadelphia to attend nursing school. After graduating from the Philadelphia School of Practical Nursing, Gladys took care of babies for many families in Philadelphia. She roomed with 2-3 other girls who also helped families with children. She stayed in Philadelphia until her mother needed help at home. Since her other sisters were out of state, she came back to Red Hill to continue to help her mother for the next ten years. Gladys never got married, nor had children, drove a car, had credit cards or had vices. After her mother’s passing, she moved into an apartment in Pennsburg. She continued to care for many families and older residents in the area. For example, she cared for the mother of Carol Smith, of Smith Carpet from 2001 to 2008. She is known to Carol as her “Miracle Friend”. “My mother loved her and so did our whole family. Dr. Priscilla Kistler gave us her name and she called my Mom. With thanks to Gladys, my Mom lived to 91 ½ years old,” said Carol. Gladys made many pillows, sock puppets, and handicrafts and enjoyed selling them at the annual Community Day. Gladys has no immediate living relatives. Her siblings, Pauline Smith died on March 25, 2015; Pearl Schultz died May 27, 2006; and Arnold Smith died in 2000. She will be laid to rest in Old Goshenhoppen Cemetery, Woxall with her family. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg, is in charge of arrangements.