Lydia Smith's Obituary
Lydia Smith was born Lydia Margaretha Harding on April 23rd, 1919 to Henry and Mary Harding, a strong German family, in Laurel Montana (in case you’re wondering, that’s right outside of Billings). Lydia was one of seven children, Bobbie, Hank, Art, Mary, Lydia, Tina and Sonny. At a young age she moved with her family to Tacoma Washington where her father worked for the railroad. Lydia remembered that she spoke only German until she started school at five or six.
Lydia was a fun loving, energetic girl. She loved to dance, roller skate and go to the movies. Lydia was not raised in a church family but at the age of 14 she chose to begin classes at the Grace Lutheran church and completed her catechism and first communion. Though not a “religious” person, she carried this event in her heart and spoke of it many times. She was given a certificate to remember this event. It is displayed at the reception.
At the age of 17 she married Lewis Larsen and four children were born from that union. Stanley Lewis, Loretta Lydia, Leone Inga, and Terry Lawrence. They lived for many years in a little (the kids remember it as being big) house on State street. Here the kids were free to play with their friends and enjoy the innocent times that the 40’s & 50’s brought. Lydia spoke many times of walking and/or riding her bike into “town”. There was no car in the family so she made do with feet and bike. Lydia loved to dress and go to town as was the custom back in that time. Please see the photos at the reception.
In 1956 the marriage to Lewis dissolved and she met and married Frederic James Smith. By this time, Stanley was out of school and serving in the military. Frederic (Fred) moved the family to Federal Way to what they referred to as the farm. A stone block house with 20 acres where they had lots of animals including horses, ducks, geese, rabbits, dogs, cats and even turkeys. They grew gardens and enjoyed canning. Here, Debbie Lynn was born. Twenty years between the first child and the last…whew, makes me tired, but Lydia was a trooper.
In 1958 the farm and surrounding acres were sold to the government. That area is the section of I-5 in Federal Way were Jet Chevrolet now resides. Fred and Lydia bought a piece of property on the hill above the tide-flats in NE Tacoma. Here Fred and Terry built the house where Lydia lived from 1959 until she needed more care and was moved to an assisted living facility in 2014. In this home Leone, Terry and Debbie finished their high school years and left home to begin their own families. This house is where the grandchildren remember coming for their special times with grandma and grandpa. Lydia enjoyed having family around and with a volley ball net, a big above ground swimming pool and lots of food and drink. Fourth of July and Christmas parties where the whole family gathered and remember the outdoor games and the card games in the basement. She and Fred were happy and fulfilled. So many parties and special events were experienced there.
When Fred became ill with cancer, Lydia cared for him until his final days. She loved him so much and they were a great team. Sometime later Lydia met Charles Loney (Chuck) and they became fast friends and companions. They loved to go to the Eagles and railroad meetings (Chuck was retired from the railroad). They had many friends and took trips to Hoods Canal, the mountains and special trips to Reno where they loved to try their hand at the slot machines. Their relationship lasted about 10 years until Chuck passed away. Lydia cared for him through his ordeal and was a faithful friend until that end.
After Chuck’s passing, Lydia live alone in the NE Tacoma house. Many of the family came to help with needs at the house and to spend time visiting. Lydia never asked for help unless perhaps there was a light bulb needed replacing, but was very appreciative when the family came to do yard and maintenance. Daughter Leone was one that work so hard in the yard. When Leone passed away in 2000, it was a very hard time for Lydia. Family members came even more to make sure that yard was nice and maintenance was done. In June 2014, when Lydia needed more help than the family could provide, she moved to Merrill Gardens Assisted living in Tacoma. Lydia fell and broke a hip in February and needed surgery. She never fully recovered from that fall and passed away April 9, 2015.
At 95 (just shy of her 96th birthday), Lydia lived a long and full life. She enjoyed many friends and especially her five children and many grandchildren, great and great, great grandchildren. Lydia loved when family and friends came for visits. She loved to sit and have coffee and “pastry” as she called most anything sweet. She loved her sweets. A cup of coffee and a “pastry” was her most preferred breakfast.
Mom, You will be missed and remembered for your exuberant energy (yard work was your favorite) and love of flowers. Each spring was a fun time for you to “energize” your yard and porch with much color. Your love of animals (many homeless cats and kittens and a few raccoons gave reason to cook up that pot of noodles and ground turkey) We will miss the special way you let us know how you felt about things (we always knew where we stood with you) and for never trying to be anything other than who you were. You loved us all and that we will always take with us. Rest sweet Lydia and enjoy the fruits (pastries) of heaven.
What’s your fondest memory of Lydia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lydia?
Share a story where Lydia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lydia you’ll never forget.
How did Lydia make you smile?
