Elaine M. (Norton) Smith – 86 – of Murray Hill in Mt. Morris, formerly of Dansville, NY, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. She was surrounded by love and under the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Murray Hill who cared for her so kindly in her final days.
Born in Dansville, NY on June 11, 1939, Elaine was the beloved daughter of the late Willard and Onnolee Norton.
Elaine grew up in Dansville, NY and graduated from Dansville Central School with the class of 1957. After spending a short time in Wayland, NY, she returned to Dansville where she built a beautiful life and raised her family. Elaine worked for many years as a waitress at local favorites including the Busy Bee and the Coffee Cup, where her warm smile and kind heart touched so many.
Her deep love for children led her to open an in-home daycare where she created a nurturing, joyful and nature-filled environment for countless little ones. Families who entrusted their children to Elaine always felt her genuine care and gentle spirit.
In the early 2000s, Elaine followed her adventurous heart to the sunshine state, living in Florida for several years before returning home to Dansville.
Elaine found peace in nature and joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her long walks with at least 4 dogs, square dancing and ballroom dancing, long bike rides into town to frequent GC Murphy’s 5&10 as well as thrifting brought her much joy. She was an avid collector of any item (including animals) that her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many children that crossed through her door could play with. She always kept herself busy while listening to her country music.
Elaine had a profound love for her family; her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and any person that she had the chance to know. Her love did not discriminate and did not judge.
Elaine was preceded in death by her son, Lewis Strick; her former husband Gary Strick; and her brother, Duane Norton.
She is survived by her loving son, Gerry Strick (Bradi Sherer, Elizabeth Randall) of Hornell; her daughter Yvonne Strick of Florida; cherished grandchildren Tiffany (Jeremy) Colon & Jack Colon of Springwater, Corey Strick (Kaitlin Conklin, Addison Musto and Milania Musto) of Dansville, NY; Adam Koester of NY; daughter-in-law Christine Strick and Brandon Pyer of Hornell; her dear niece Duanne Norton of Mt. Morris, nephews Willard (Marie) Norton of Conesus, NY and Rodney (Gayle) Norton of Texas.
To honor Elaine’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday (November 22, 2025) at 10:00am at the West Sparta Oak Lawn Cemetery, 4287 Redmond Road, Dansville, NY 14437. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Union Hose Club Rooms, 66 Elizabeth Street, Dansville, NY 14437 immediately following. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America by visiting https://alzfdn.org/.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
