Gisela Eisenmenger Smith

Gisela was born February 12, 1938 in Heidelberg, Germany. Fluent in 6 languages, she worked as a translator until she met the love of her life, Tom. During their 30 years of marriage, they traveled the world together and lived in many exotic places before settling down in Tom's home town of Jacksonville, where they raised their sons, Chris and Mike. After Tom's death in 1989, Gisela put her love of jewelry into practice and worked selling jewelry for the next 25 years. She loved animals and was a life long donor to several wildlife charities. She had many beloved pets over the years, including cats, dogs, bush babies, turtles, fish, birds and even a pet skunk named Alex. She enjoyed gardening, fashion and African art.

Gisela is survived by; sons, Chris and Mike; sisters, Anita and Brigitte; grandchildren, Brandi, T.J., Mikey and Lily; and daughters-in-law, Leslie and Mandy; and step-grandchild, Taylor.

Gisela was preceded in death by; her husband, Tom; and parents, Friedrich and Hilda.

A remembrance gathering for Gisela will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Smith family.