Fay Smith
April 29, 1946 — October 18, 2023
Fay Smith 4/29/1946-10/18/2023
“What did you learn from that?” Mom, we learned: You were strong. You were resilient. You were independent. You made the best of each day. You left this world a better place. Always a teacher. Always accepting. We learned by your example. We learned we were loved.
Mom had so many wonderful gifts. She was mom, wife, grandma, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, musician, scrabble master, quilter, reader, chef, schedule coordinator, family gatherer, animal lover, world traveler, listener, proofreader, and so much more. As Parkinson's, or MSA, progressed over the last thirteen years adding physical and speech limitations, she faced this adversity the way she lived. Through strength and perseverance she made the most of each day. Mom cherished what matters most, our connections we share with one another as family and friends.
Fay married the love of her life, Chuck Smith, in 1968. They met each other at Morningside College where she earned her degree in secondary education majoring in English and French. They started their family in Sioux City, IA soon after. Formative years were shared between Harlan, IA and New Castle, IN where they raised their family and were active in the life of their communities.
Mom loved her family, she would do anything for any of us. In the same way, she loved her friends. She adored all of her grandchildren. For her children, she was the best. She was our greatest cheerleader and advocate. Through our biggest stumbles, she unconditionally loved us. With mom, we knew we were safe to make mistakes and she would calmly ask, "what did you learn from that?" In this safety and acceptance, we wanted to be better. She was our relentless listener, fully present and this gift is irreplaceable. Paul, Rob, and Christy are so grateful for mom. We miss her. We are so thankful she is free. We commend her into God's loving arms.
Fay was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty years, Chuck Smith; her beloved mom and dad, Raymond and Margaret Nelson; and her loving brother Tim Nelson. She is survived by her children Paul and Angela Smith, grandchildren Parker and Chase Dimmitt; Rob and Lisa Smith, grandchildren Cole and Luke Smith; and Christy and Jack Landrigan, grandchildren Max, Riley, Kenton, and Brynn Landrigan; and her brothers/spouses Stan and Lucille Nelson, John and Linda Nelson, and Debbie Nelson.
We will celebrate Fay's life at Harlan Golf and Country Club on November 17th, at 3:00 PM CST. It is our request that everyone feel comfortable coming casual (think sweatshirt/blue jeans, or whatever is comfortable for you.) We will open with a service that will include music and sharing stories, followed by appetizers and refreshments, after which we will gather back again asking your help to remember and share more stories. Mom and Dad had a sign on their porch that said "Gathering Place" where we shared meals, games, stories, and lots of laughter. This is our hope, to share together as a gathering place.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church where mom joined online weekly. She proudly shared her son’s church, attending church online with her friends. Another gathering place.
Love, Love
“What did you learn from that?” Mom, we learned: You were strong. You were resilient. You were independent. You made the best of each day. You left this world a better place. Always a teacher. Always accepting. We learned by your example. We learned we were loved.
Mom had so many wonderful gifts. She was mom, wife, grandma, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, musician, scrabble master, quilter, reader, chef, schedule coordinator, family gatherer, animal lover, world traveler, listener, proofreader, and so much more. As Parkinson's, or MSA, progressed over the last thirteen years adding physical and speech limitations, she faced this adversity the way she lived. Through strength and perseverance she made the most of each day. Mom cherished what matters most, our connections we share with one another as family and friends.
Fay married the love of her life, Chuck Smith, in 1968. They met each other at Morningside College where she earned her degree in secondary education majoring in English and French. They started their family in Sioux City, IA soon after. Formative years were shared between Harlan, IA and New Castle, IN where they raised their family and were active in the life of their communities.
Mom loved her family, she would do anything for any of us. In the same way, she loved her friends. She adored all of her grandchildren. For her children, she was the best. She was our greatest cheerleader and advocate. Through our biggest stumbles, she unconditionally loved us. With mom, we knew we were safe to make mistakes and she would calmly ask, "what did you learn from that?" In this safety and acceptance, we wanted to be better. She was our relentless listener, fully present and this gift is irreplaceable. Paul, Rob, and Christy are so grateful for mom. We miss her. We are so thankful she is free. We commend her into God's loving arms.
Fay was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty years, Chuck Smith; her beloved mom and dad, Raymond and Margaret Nelson; and her loving brother Tim Nelson. She is survived by her children Paul and Angela Smith, grandchildren Parker and Chase Dimmitt; Rob and Lisa Smith, grandchildren Cole and Luke Smith; and Christy and Jack Landrigan, grandchildren Max, Riley, Kenton, and Brynn Landrigan; and her brothers/spouses Stan and Lucille Nelson, John and Linda Nelson, and Debbie Nelson.
We will celebrate Fay's life at Harlan Golf and Country Club on November 17th, at 3:00 PM CST. It is our request that everyone feel comfortable coming casual (think sweatshirt/blue jeans, or whatever is comfortable for you.) We will open with a service that will include music and sharing stories, followed by appetizers and refreshments, after which we will gather back again asking your help to remember and share more stories. Mom and Dad had a sign on their porch that said "Gathering Place" where we shared meals, games, stories, and lots of laughter. This is our hope, to share together as a gathering place.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church where mom joined online weekly. She proudly shared her son’s church, attending church online with her friends. Another gathering place.
Love, Love
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