Leona Smidt

Leona was born Dec. 2, 1935 in Riverside, CA to Richard and Pauline Steves. She studied history and art in college, attending Colorado Women’s College and graduating from University of California at Riverside. Leona and Fred A. Smidt, Jr. were married in 1956 and moved to Ames, Iowa, where she taught elementary school while Fred pursued his graduate studies. A move to Richland, WA followed, where their family grew, and they enjoyed a close circle of friends and many outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

After moving to Springfield in 1969, Lee stayed active in the community, church and children’s schools. In keeping with her lifelong love for books and reading, she volunteered at Richard Byrd Library, which led to a job as Circulation Aide and then Information Specialist. Even after retiring she returned to Richard Byrd Library as a part-time volunteer, completing the circle from volunteer to volunteer.

During retirement she traveled extensively (including Australia, Egypt, China, and Russia), and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, visiting art museums and researching family genealogy. More recently she resided at Greenspring Village, where she was part of the library committee and enjoyed frequent dinners with friends.

Lee was a long-time member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where she was active in Circle 6 for many years. She was also a lifetime member of AAUW and enjoyed the stimulating discussions of its book group.

She is survived by sisters Elesa Trisler and Barbara Smith (Gil), children Natalie Thurman (Nelson), Suzanne Wade (Jim), and Randy Smidt, grandchildren Alex Thurman, Seamus Wade, Finn Wade, Avery Smidt, Esther “Millie” Smidt, numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 37 years, sister Jeanne Shaw, and grandson Chris Thurman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A memorial service will take place Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street, Springfield, VA 22150. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s memory may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church.

For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be live-streamed at

https://www.facebook.com/GraceSpringfield/videos

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHqMYsQzGeR-kczuMDmToQ/live