Taya M. Smith, 71, Louisville

LOUISVILLE -- Taya M. Smith, age 71, passed away early Friday morning, October 3, 2025, at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Per Taya’s wish’s there will be no public calling hours or funeral services.

A Graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery on Friday October 10, 2025, at 11:30am.

She was born on October 24, 1954, in Massena the daughter of Gary and Pauline (Bashaw) Derouchie.

She graduated from Massena Central School, class of 1972.

Taya was employed by the Massena School system, working in the cafeteria and also driving bus having retired in 2012.

In her free time she enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and being with her pets along with playing at the casino.

She is survived by her life partner, John Sheets of Louisville, her mother, Pauline Derouchie of Massena, a son, Eric Smith of New Castle, PA, a granddaughter, Cecilie Smith, and a brother, Mark and wife, Julie Derouchie of Atlanta, GA, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Gary in 2003, and a brother, Randy Derouchie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Massena Humane Society; P.O. Box 145, Massena, New York 13662.

Online condolences, memories and pictures may be shared with the family by visiting, www.PhillipsMemorial.com.

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