Gwendolyn Hutchinson Smith , age 97, passed away peacefully on April 16. She was born on December 1, 1927 in Stuart, Florida, to Melissia and Gelaine Hutchinson, and raised nearby in Ft. Pierce, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Charles E. Smith, a brother, Gelaine Hutchinson and a sister, Daura Hilson.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Smith Crawford of Crozet; Henry W. Smith, II (Debbie) of Charlottesville; three grandsons, Samuel Crawford (Jessica Millard), Walker Smith and Landon Smith and two great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Emma Crawford. She also has several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Ft. Pierce High School, Gwen attended Bay Path College in Longmeadow, MA, where she received a degree in accounting and served on the Student Council. After moving to Crozet, VA in 1950, she put her accounting skills to use in helping her father-in-law, Henry Smith, operate and manage the Crozet Theatre. During her career, she served as bookkeeper to several businesses including Harper Motors and Carr Management in Charlottesville and Harvestore Silos in Zion Crossroads. In 1971, Gwen worked with her husband to create Central Virginia Builders in Crozet, a premier custom home building company that is still in operation today.

Gwendolyn had an adventurous spirit. In her early twenties while working at an airport in Ft. Pierce, she was encouraged by the owner to take flying lessons. After only six and a half hours of instruction, a hangar record, she took a Cessna up for her first solo flight and earned her temporary pilot's license.

Her joy was spending time with her family and her many friends. She was a member of the Rebecca's Circle at the Crozet United Methodist Church and traveled with another group of close friends to Alaska, Hawaii, New England, and the Caribbean. In recent years, she made many friends with the residents and staff at The Lodge at Old Trail, and her bright smile was a familiar sight around the Lodge.

The family would like to thank The Lodge at Old Trail, Right at Home, and Hospice of the Piedmont for their care and compassion in caring for our mother.

Visitation will be at Crozet United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 22, at 1pm followed by the service at 2pm and graveside burial afterward at Rockgate Cemetary. Memorial contributions may be sent to Crozet United Methodist Church at 1156 Crozet Ave, Crozet, VA 22932 or to Western Albemarle Rescue Squad Foundation, P.O. Box 188, Crozet, VA 22932.

Anderson Funeral Service of Crozet is in charge of arrangements.