A grandson writes a book to honor his grandmother after State Hospital records remain sealed

A man in Rochester, New York, wrote a book titled She Was Here to document the life of his grandmother, Catherine Smoral, who was committed to Willard State Hospital in the 1920s.

The author spent years researching his family history after learning that his mother successfully moved Catherine’s remains from the state hospital to a family plot in Syracuse. He discovered that patients at Willard were often buried in unceremonious fashion in fields identified only by small aluminum caps.

The author faced significant hurdles when trying to access official records through the New York State Office of Mental Health. He reported that state officials often provided inaccurate information or refused to share details about Catherine’s treatment. He contacted several New York politicians to request help, but many did not respond or provided disconnected contact information. He noted that a statute on the books may seal the records of patients who were sent to Willard.

The author eventually decided to write the book after his grandson suggested the idea. He wanted to preserve Catherine's legacy and counter the inaccurate way her family's tragedy was portrayed in a 1920s newspaper article. He also reflects on his work with East House, a non-profit organization that helps people recover from mental illness, noting that modern treatment has progressed but still requires more advancement.