AUSTIN, TX - Courtney Maureen Smith, 33, passed away on April 22, 2026, following a recent illness, at her home in Austin, Texas. Courtney was an exceptionally bright, intelligent soul. From a young age, she was passionate about science, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Materials Engineering Science from Alfred University and her Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University. A few years after graduating, she moved to Austin, Texas—a city she truly loved—where she later opened a biomedical lab. Courtney's love for Austin's art, food, and history made for countless fun adventures whenever family and friends came to visit.

Courtney was also deeply creative, making beautifully detailed cross-stitches, loom-woven wall hangings, and other pieces of art. She was funny, too, and could carry on full conversations in cat and pug memes. Courtney cared deeply for the people she held close. If you had the privilege of being part of her life, you know how special that bond was—and how much you meant to her. She loved spending time with friends, finding great places to eat, taking trips, visiting them around the country, and sharing memories of their time together.

One of Courtney's favorite times of year was summer at her family camp on Lake Ozonia—a place she visited annually from the time she was born. In recent years, Courtney and her sister spent weeks beforehand planning menus and snacks to enjoy (often far more than they needed). She loved reading on the dock, paddleboarding and kayaking around the big and little island, and sitting quietly by the water—listening to its click-clack as the sun came up and watching the stillness as it began to set. She felt most at home at the lake.

Courtney is survived by her mother, Susan Hart; her father, Sean Smith, and Amanda Fiacco; her sister, Lauren Prentice and brother-in-law, Jared Prentice; her loving friends; and her beloved cats, Cat Stevens ("Steve") and Puppito. Calling hours will be held at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood, NY, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Lake Ozonia at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Potsdam Animal Shelter or to the Austin Texas Humane Society and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Courtney Maureen Smith.