Lois A. Smith
June 29, 1923 - November 24, 2017
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Lois A. Smith
June 29, 1923 - November 24, 2017
Obituary
After a long life, well lived, Lois Smith passed away peacefully on November 24, 2017 at Hospice House.
Bellingham was her birthplace and life long home. Born to Louis F. Westby and Sadie Reid Westby on June 29, 1923, the oldest of two daughters. She spent her childhood days on the shores of Lake Whatcom at several relatives summer homes with Grandparents who immigrated from Norway. Lois began playing the piano at an early age and in her adult years played for the Sunday School services at Faith Lutheran Church.
After high school she attended Bellingham Business School and worked in the insurance and later Title Insurance industry for over 30 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her career and working alongside the real estate community.
When Lois’s family moved to Dean Avenue, she would not know that she would later marry her neighbor W. Vann Smith. High school sweethearts, they married in 1945 when Vann was on leave from the US Navy. Their two mother’s picked summer blooms from their gardens and decorated the church for the ceremony on August 1, 1945. The war ended while they were on their honeymoon in Victoria BC. Lois often shared the story of what a celebration is was!
Lois and Vann spent 54 happy years together and raised three children. She was a charitable person. While raising her children, she volunteered with the March of Dimes, held the position of Treasurer at Faith Lutheran Church and was involved with the Auxillary of St. Joseph’s hospital.
She was a beautiful seamstress, knitter and completed countless needlepoint projects.
During very active retirement years, Lois and Vann (along with a merry troupe of dear friends) would make an annual two month trip to Kauai and Maui. This tradition lasted for 40 years. In addition, anytime a sightseeing trip would present itself, they were on board. They visited many national parks and monuments, as well as travelling to the East Coast states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and New York. Vann and Lois both loved trips to Reno and later the local casinos were a popular pastime.
After Vann’s passing, Lois moved from the family home that they built and enjoyed 17 years watching the sunset over Bellingham Bay in the condominium that made her feel so content and blessed as she was always quick to point out and appreciate.
Lois is survived by her daughters Lynne (Norman) Lane of Bellingham, Sharman (Edward “Ted”) Robinette of New York, son Bryan (Ginger) Smith, Bellingham, grandsons Darrin, Chris (Heather), Jason and Travis (Chantel) Lane of Seattle, Sean (Emily) Smith of Oregon, and Trent (Megan) Smith, of New Hampshire and great granddaughters Evelynne Lane and Finley Smith.
We were blessed to have a Mother and Father that gave us memories to last our lifetimes. Always showing us love and setting good examples for us to follow and form who we are today.
We know she’s joined Daddy and we’ll see them when our time comes.
5 responses to Lois A. Smith
Lurline Hammer says:
November 24, 2017
To Lois’s Family:I remember Lois when she worked for Safeco Title Insurance and I worked in the loan department at Mt. Baker Mutual Savings Bank. I had the privilege to get to know her thru business & always remember she was so kind, friendly & helpful – a true professional.
To Sharm: I’m sorry for your loss. Your Mom was wonderful.
Lurline Hammer
Angie Rosado says:
November 24, 2017
Sharm,So sorry to hear of you Mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful person and always so very sweet. Thinking of you and your family.
Angie and Frank Rosado
Jay & Marlene Degroot says:
November 24, 2017
Your mom was such a special lady~~she will be missed for sure! I worked with her at the Title Insurance Company and she was so encouraging and helpful. She gave me a wonderful bridal shower 54 years ago at her place on Rusley Drive. We visited her a couple years ago at her lovely condo overlooking the bay…We knew your dad too and he was a ‘gem”…
You were blessed to have them as parents and we were blessed to know them over the years..
Prayers for all of you..
Jay & Marlene Degroot
Nancy MacDonald says:
November 24, 2017
Each of you and your mom are in my thoughts.
I enjoyed getting to visit with Lois this past year and really always got a kick out of the old photos mom brought home from their weekly visits. Boy, our families had a ton of good times growing up. And those two redheads always dressed to the nines for a trip, whether to go to the horse races or fly off to some place that we kids didn’t get to go to.
The more years that go by, the greater my appreciation of our times, trips, weekly romps at your place or ours and, (ha ha) the blessing that I can still remember them.
I imagine your hearts and feelings are in a jumble. I don’t want to intrude at this time, but if there is anything I can do to help with any thing, please don’t hesitate to reach out in this direction.
Sharing the blessings,
Nancy Mac
Danyal Gonzalez says:
November 24, 2017
Although I didn’t know Lois very well, I was able to meet and spend a little time with her at Solstice Senior Living aka Parkway Chateau. She was a resident there and I am the Business Office Director for Solstice in Bellingham (Parkway). Every resident here is a blessing and she will be missed a great deal. I pray for your families comfort during this difficult time. And offer my condolences.