Olga Smelter

Olga (Hines) Smelter passed away peacefully at Kent County Hospital on January 25, 2025, at the age of 93.

Olga was a devoted wife to Harold, her husband for 58 years, loving mother to Laurie (Haruben) and Stacey (Flanagan), mother-in-law to Jerry and Patrick, proud grandmother to Alexandra (and her husband Ivan), Declan, James, and Xavier and adoring great grandmother to Waverley. She was a world traveler, avid gardener, and lover of life.

Olga was born on October 23, 1931, in Patterson, New Jersey to Alfred and Helen Hines. The oldest of two children, she grew up in Peekskill, NY and graduated from Peekskill High School. She remained close to her younger brother, Dr. Ralph Hines, throughout her life. Olga attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. She and Harold were married in 1962 and lived in Cold Spring, NY.

Olga worked in the lab at Standard Coated until becoming a full-time mom. Her family was the center of her world, and she was always happiest when surrounded by her family members. Olga loved to travel and spent time in Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. She loved to grow orchids, play games, and watch movies.

Olga and Harold retired in 1994 and moved to Port St. Lucie, FL. In retirement she continued to enjoy travel, the beach, and spending time with family and friends. She had a zest for life and was always involved in social groups - cooking, knitting, growing orchids and learning to use technology. At an age when most people would be apprehensive about using technology, Olga embraced it and used it to communicate with family and friends, both near and far.

After the passing of Harold, Olga relocated to Wakefield, RI where she lived for the rest of her life. She continued to be social within her community and enjoyed spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, great granddaughter, nieces, and nephews. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10 am in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, RI. Burial will follow at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.