Deanna Marie Jackson Nevinger Smith

Deanna Smith, daughter of Russell and Marie Nevinger of Warsaw, NY, graduated from Warsaw Central School, in 1969. In 1971, Deanna and Lee Smith were married in Letchworth State Park. She graduated from The University at Albany, magna cum laude, in 1973, with a degree in English and completed a Master’s degree in Library Science in 1975. Before beginning a longtime career at the Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park, NY, she worked at The University at Albany, Afton Central Schools, Frontier Central Schools and North Tonawanda Public Library. She belonged to several professional organizations and retired from a career in education in 2007. Lee and Deanna shared a life-long love of traveling and travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, thoroughly enjoying their many experiences exploring metro and natural areas. Locally, they delighted in years of day trips exploring New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Deanna loved family and friends. She took pleasure in thought-provoking conversations and the fun of sharing ideas and activities. While she had many varied interests - gardening, hiking, history, home and reading topped the list. Deanna found special peace and joy in the beauty of nature.

She is survived by her husband, Lee of 55 years, her brother, Tom Nevinger (Debbie) of Lakewood, NY, her sister, Lois Nevinger Golbeck (Vincent) of Canandaigua, NY, nephew, Brian (Kim) Nevinger, niece, Kellie Nevinger Kabza (Chris), paternal aunt, Janice Nevinger Truesdell, maternal aunt, Gloria Jackson Grohs, and numerous cousins. Deanna is predeceased by her parents Russell and Marie Jackson Nevinger.

Calling hours will be September 19, 2026 11:00AM-1:00PM, service immediately following at 1:00PM at Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw, NY 14569. Donations may be made to Friends of Letchworth Letchworth State Park 1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427 OR Sand Lake Town Library 8428 Miller Hill Rd. Averill Park, NY 12018.