Smith, Phyllis Patricia Alexandra Ph.D., 92, a resident of Marian Manor, South Boston, formerly of Roslindale, died on June 3, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Bridget (Lydon) O’Kelly, of Co. Sligo, Ireland; her siblings Ethel O’Kelly, Raymond O’Kelly and Muriel O’Kelly O’Connor; and her stepbrother John Mark Smith. A native of Ireland, Dr. Smith was adopted by her maternal aunt and uncle, the late much loved Dr. John Mark and Olga May Smith, and raised in Chelsea, Ma.
Dr. Smith received her undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees at Radcliffe College. Following time spent at the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the University of Wisconsin, she enjoyed a distinguished career as Professor of English at Mt. Holyoke College, from which she retired in 1985. She then delighted in a two year professorship at Kobe College, Japan. Dr. Smith is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in North America and Ireland including Dr. Marcella Colbert of Houston, Tx; Dr. Camilla O’Shea of Clarenville, Newfoundland; and Fabian O’Connor of Sewickley, Pa, as well as her dear friend, Mary Daly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 11 in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, at Marian Manor, 130 Dorchester St. South Boston at 10:00 a.m. Visitation prior to Mass, in the Chapel, from 8:30AM to 10AM.