WOLCOTT, CT- Mrs. Alma (Hock) Smith, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, January 3rd just weeks after her 100th birthday. Alma was predeceased by her husband, Willard C. Smith, and later her companion, Richard Halbwachs. Born in Waterbury, CT on December 5, 1923, she was the youngest of 12 children of the late Peter and Katherine (Becker) Hock. During WWII she was a member of the Cadet Nurses. In 1946, she graduated from the Waterbury Hospital Nursing program and worked as a private duty nurse. For 25 years she taught "Med Surg" in the nursing program at Waterbury Hospital and for 12 years at Merriam Hall. She also served as an advocate for patients at Wolcott View Manor through the ombudsman program. Alma lived in Wolcott for most of her life and was a member of Wolcott Congregational Church where she served in the Ladies Aid and the Music Committee. She was also a member of the Friends of the Library, the library reading group, the Charles Reidyke Senior Center, Wolcotts Commission on Aging, and the Waterbury Hospital Alumni Association. Alma was an avid reader and a deep thinker. She was a fabulous cook and a nurse to all. She loved nature, animals, gardening, walking, berry picking, sand on her toes, and singing Happy Birthday to her loved ones. She always put family first and would go to the ends of the earth to comfort a loved one. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Carley and her husband Pat Lerz of Wolcott, sons Timothy Smith of Wolcott, Robin Smith and Palma Recchia of Waterbury, five grandchildren, Mari Lerz (and husband Jose Sandoval) of Danbury, Katie OConnor of Middlebury, Rebecca Bavelas of Naples, FL, Sarah Lerz of Wolcott, Patrick Lerz (and wife Erin Lerz) of Wolcott, six great grandchildren (Jillian, Raeghan, Benjamin, Grace, Joseph and Jacob) and several nieces and nephews. In her final years, Alma was cared for by a lovely team of women from Where The Heart Is, who made her life as peaceful and comfortable as possible. We would like to extend a special thank you to Sara, Antonia, Dawn, Traci and owner Susan who treated Alma as family. To celebrate the life of our beloved centenarian Alma, the family will hold Calling Hours on Monday, January 15th from 10-11:30am at Woodtick Memorial, 420 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott. We also invite family, friends and community members to join us for the Funeral Service at 12 Noon at the Wolcott Congregational Church 185 Center St. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for online condolences. Memorial contributions in Almas name may be made to the Wolcott Congregational Church. Services Visitation Monday January 15, 2024 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Woodtick Memorial 420 Woodtick Rd Funeral Service Monday January 15, 2024 12:00 PM Wolcott Congregational Church 185 Center St. Wolcott, CT 06716