Karen McKenzie Smith
Bio - short and simple: Still farming, traveling, skiing, playing golf
and enjoying grandchildren. Most important and fascinating trips -
China and Russia. (Ed. Karen lives in Yuba City CA)

IN MEMORIAM

KAREN LEE McKENZIE SMITH

(1937 - 2009)

Published in the Yuba City Appeal-Democrat newspaper., 14 June 2009

"Karen McKenzie Smith We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Karen McKenzie Smith, who died on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Gatos, California. Karen was born on September 24, 1937 in Oakland, California. She graduated from Burlingame High School and Sweetbriar College after attending UC Davis.

Always a great believer in the importance of a good education, Karen was instrumental in starting the local Montessori School in the early 1970's. Karen was a vibrant, enthusiastic, and very active member of the Yuba City community for over forty years, helping run a successful farming business. She was one of the early members of the Juvenile Justice Commission and helped bring in the "Every 15 Minutes" program to local schools.

She was also an excellent tennis player, expert skier, and accomplished ballroom dancer. Her style, grace, humor, intelligence, wit, and general love of life endeared her to countless people from many different parts of the world. She loved to spread her famously good cheer in every direction with an abundance of generosity and an endlessly positive attitude.

Above all Karen understood the value of giving. She gave her time, her love, her energy, her compassion and understanding without complaint or compromise. Nothing was ever too small or too great a favor to ask of her. Her family and friends were always at the center of her life. She will be sorely missed by all those who loved her.

Karen is survived by her four children, Eric, Jennifer, Aaron and Heather as well as nine grandchildren, Bearson, Lauren, Zoe, Zia, Helen, Carmen, Audrey, Carter, and Jasper. She is also survived by Arthur Smith, her mother Wilma Hayman, and her brother Jim McKenzie.

A memorial service will be held at St. Isidore's Church on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity." St. Isidore Catholic Church, 222 S. Clark Avenue, Yuba City 1-530-673-1573 (office).

Best Friends

Diana (Montgomery) Lavagnino - Carol Alexander - Karen (McKenzie) Smith

Photo taken at 50th Reunion (2005)