Judith V. Smith
December 30, 1925 ~ August 4, 2010
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Judith V. 'Judy' Smith, C.T.C., certified travel consultant, affectionately known as Nana, was born Dec. 30, 1925, and passed away Aug. 4, 2010. Preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Dr. Dean B. Smith; daughter, Jody Smith; son, Dr. Gary J. Smith; parents, Bud and Dorothy Wood; in-laws, Margaret and Ed 'Gag' Smith; and sister, Marion Oquist. Survived by her children, Dr. Dean (Dan) Smith, Deena Hotz, Jeannie (Douglas) Baxter and Margaret McRae; seven grandchildren, Kama, Ciara, Lindsay, Tawny, Tara, Geramaya and Hailey; and three great-grandchildren, Seamus, Elayna and Benjamin. She is also survived by her sister, Winifred Colby; brother-in-law, E. James 'Jim' Smith; sister-in-law, Virginia Walker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1969, Judy became the founder and president of Travel Planners Inc. which operated as one of Pueblo's top travel agencies for over 25 years. Judy, along with her children, gave 22 years to the children of Dream Weavers. She traveled extensively over the whole world. In 2002, she was second runner-up Senior Citizen of the year.
There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial Mass, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 11th and Grand, with Msgr. Len Racki as celebrant. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. The family will greet at 1702 N. Elizabeth at 1 pm. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Dear family and friends of Judy:
When Jim Smith (our beloved friend, and Judy’s brother-in-law and ex-husband) called us to sadly share the news regarding Judy’s death, we filled with sadness and disbelief (as Judy always seemed bigger than life itself). Upon deeper reflection, those feelings were tempered by feelings of love and gratitude… gratitude that she chose to include us, her far away extended family in NH, in her precious life.
Judy personified class. She was a friend always; available whenever needed; a patient listener; and a cherished member of our extended family. Many times we were grateful to Judy when traveling through Pueblo for offering us shelter; wonderful food; and first class (often French, our family’s culture, oui! oui! oui!) wine (which we must admit was a bit of a contrast to the “Gallo” we normally imbibed in our beloved connections with the Smith clan).
Judy was worldly. She possessed “savoir faire” (French for understanding in every situation exactly what to do).
Today, we are especially thankful for Judy’s support offered during the time we struggled with the approaching death of Michael’s parents (who lived not far away in Aurora, CO) and Jim and Judy welcoming daughter-in-law Reine to stay with them (for talk, respit, consolation, TLC, and the best high ball I, Reine, have ever had… along with lots of love and joy). Daughter-in-law Reine’s isolation and fear melted away, and a deeper wisdom resulted.
It must be noted that Judy’s grandchildren, great grandchildren were the apple of her eyes. She was generous; tough; sensitive; vulnerable; a survivor; and always a great teacher…
Dear Judy, we cherish and carry with us the lessons you taught… that living sometimes takes courage, and that kindness, laughter, and being there when needed are ultimately the most definitive measures of having lived a good life.
With love,
Reine and Michael Fischler
Holderness, NH
Dear Dan, Deena, and Jeannie,
I extend my sympathy at the loss of your mother. Judy was a great lady, and one who had more than her share of heartache. She became our friend after Eva and I moved here to Pueblo in 1965. We have watched each of you growing up to become good, successful people. Judy loved you very much. I lost my mom a few years ago and I still have the mind set of wanting to call mom to tell her what happend, or ask how she cooked this food or to clarify a rememberance. Each of you will have these times too. It’s a blessing you’ll enjoy tearfully. Your loss is also our loss and we’ll miss Judy. Do good and keep smiling-call me if I may be of help.
With love,
Dr. Al Chambers
Denna,
I am sorry to hear you lost your mother. I have kept up on her through my mom and their bridge games. I remember her as an amazing and dynamic woman – before it was fashionable to be amazing and dynamic. Her energy, enthusiasm, and zest will be missed. My sympathy to you and your family.
Paula (Chandler) Tillquist