Obituary

Irene Smith Anderson passed away peacefully at age 98. She was born on April 19, 1925 to Helen and Jacob Mayer in the farming community out in the prairie near Hebron, North Dakota.

She was one of seven children; four sisters and two brothers. They left the family farm during the depression and moved to Lodi California in 1941.

In 1943, Irene married a military man in the Navy. She traveled with him for thirty years wherever she could. She devoted herself to raising her four sons, Ken, Don, Jim and Tom. Sometimes she was alone with them for long periods of time due to frequent extended absences required by the military. Her husband, commander, Ken Smith passed away in 1973.

Irene was “the rock” in the family. Our values and work ethics came from her. Her unconditional love for her family was ever present; always doing for and giving to others.

She loved to read and organize consistently. She especially loved nature, sunsets and her special kitty, “Asker”.

Irene is survived by one sister, Deloris, in Lodi California and three sons, Ken (Beth Smith), Jim and Tom Smith. She has eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Her son, Don, and second husband, Ralph Anderson have passed away. We want to thank a special friend of Irene’s, Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik, who has been Mother’s confident and advisor for many years.

In lieu of flowers, Irene requested that you cherish your children; make their education your first priority.