Desiree Smeda

We mourn the passing of Desiree Smeda (née Cathcart-James), who was born on 16 December 1955 in Windhoek, Namibia, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on 12 August 2024 at her home in Banning, California.

Desiree’s early life was shaped by her education at Hottentots-Holland High School and Hershal Girls School in Cape Town. She went on to study nursing at Carinus Nursing College, dedicating her life to the care of others as a Registered Nurse at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and Addington Hospital in Durban.

On 12 April 1980, Desiree married Victor Smeda in Cape Town. Together, they built a loving family and raised three children: Neville, Belinda, and Christopher. In September 2001, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Des Moines, Iowa, where they lived for 13 years. In 2014, Desiree and Victor moved to Banning, California, where they spent the remainder of their years together.

Desiree is survived by her devoted husband, Victor; her beloved children, Neville, Belinda, and Christopher; and her nine treasured grandchildren. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and profession will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00AM on Monday 26 August 2024 at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

6140 West Wilson Street

Banning

CA 92220-3033

The Memorial Service will be followed by a private graveside service at the San Gorgonio Memorial Park in Banning.