Margaret Ann (Smith) Van Schaick

Mrs. Margaret Ann Smith Van Schaick died August 19, 2024 at River Hospital Alexandria Bay, New York with her loving family by her side. She was born June 5, 1937 to Eleanor Bourcy Smith and Douglas A. Smith in Cape Vincent, New York. Ann was a life-long resident of the Cape Vincent community. Ann was a descendent of the Bourcy-Docteur families on her mother’s side who were early French settlers.

Ann attended and graduated from Cape Vincent Central School in 1955. She received a diploma in 1958 as a registered nurse from Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo New York. In 1964 Ann earned her B.S. in education with a major in Public Health Nursing from Syracuse University.

Ann was employed in various nursing positions both full and part-time over her career until her retirement in 1999. She worked at Public Health then Mercy Hospital in Watertown, NY and completed her career as a mental health nurse for New York State.

She married Charles R. Van Schaick also a native of Cape Vincent on August 29, 1959 at St. Vincent of Paul Church in Cape Vincent. Charles, the love of her life, died on May 30, 2024.

Ann had a pen pal from England later moving to Australia that commenced during World War II. They shared events throughout their lives including their grandchildren until recently. Her pen pal, husband and two daughters traveled to Cape Vincent in the 1970’s to meet in person after years of exchanging letters. Ann was enamored with all things relating to the Royal Family of England. She was an avid reader especially historical accountings of Queen Elizabeth and her reign as well as the extended family. She travelled to Kingston Ontario Canada to see Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and later travelling again to see now King Charles and Princess Diana. Ann was a doting grandmother who looked forward to spending time with her six grandchildren and hearing all about their activities as well as accomplishments.

Ann was predeceased by both of her parents as well as her brother D. James Smith who died in 2002 and a sister-in-law Barbara Van Schaick.

Her survivors include her beloved sons and their families: Bruce (Melanie) their children Aidan, Siara and Nicholas of Jamesville, NY. Mark (Julia) and their children Duncan, Victoria (Tory) and Drake of Clayton, NY. Also her Bourcy, Beckhart and Wheeler cousins and brother -in-law Richard Van Schaick.

At her request a graveside prayer service will be held on August 30th, 2024 at 11 AM at Riverside Cemetery Cape Vincent with a brief reception afterwards at the Cape Vincent Fire Hall.

The family would like to thank the River Hospital, especially the nurses and aids on the second floor, as well as the TIERS Rescue Squad both providing her excellent compassionate care.

Donations can be made in her name to TIERS or River Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home of Cape Vincent. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.