Hundreds came out to pay their respects to Councilwoman Eugenia Smith on Saturday, filling the Forum in Harrisburg.
The long-time public servant died of a heart attack last Friday at age 53.
Among so much shock and grief over her sudden death, the day was also filled with thankfulness for a life well-spent.
“I can’t say enough about your daughter, Mr. Smith,” says Harrisburg’s deputy director of Public Works, Aaron Johnson, addressing Smith’s father. “A wonderful, wonderful human being, she’s always been there for me.” Smith is also survived by three children and four grandchildren.
The Harrisburg community paid tribute to Smith through music, dance and heartfelt words. Friends said her hard work in the Harrisburg School District and on the City Council showed how much she loved her city. She had served as Vice President and chaired the Public Safety Committee.
“She never gave up on her family, her kids, she never gave up on Harrisburg, she never gave up on her community,”says friend and colleague Peter Speaks.
“She had no problem with calling me and saying what I need to do, she had a way of saying it,” says Johnson, a colleague and family friend. “But I’ll tell you what, I wish I could get her to say those words to me right now.”
Smith was laid to rest after the service at William Howard Day Cemetery.
“She was a fantastic person,” says Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter. “And now she has two wings, she’s up in Heaven watching over us.”