Louise F. Smith

      While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Louise F. Smith. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Louise was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Louise was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

      From the time she was born on November 14, 1931, Louise showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Louise came into this world at home on 7th Street in Oakland, California. Her parents were Manuel and Belmira Souza. Louise was also raised in Oakland California.

      Because fellowship was so important to her, Louise promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with three siblings. She had one older brother Earl and two older sister's Marie and Margaret. Louise was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

      As a young girl, Louise interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Louise had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Louise took part in volleyball. Louise's memorable achievements included being able to skip grades and be promoted to High School.

      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Louise was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland in 1948. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Home Ecc. and cooking.

      Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Louise was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Louise, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Louise enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of her best friends were Laura, Laverne and of course, her sisters.

      Louise was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On January 6, 1949 Louise exchanged wedding vows with Carl Kieth Smith at St. Josephs Church, Alameda California of Alameda California.

      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Louise was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Louise was always a mentor who helped her family reach their full potential. Louise was blessed with two children, one daughter Kim and a son Greg, who has passed away. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Dyami (boy), Andrea and Rebeca.

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Louise was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Louise took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, cooking, traveling and shopping. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Louise was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf.

      Louise was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church for 54 years. During that time, she was a help in the parent-teacher group while her children were in school.

      Louise possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included often traveling on cruises. Her favorite spots included Portugal, the Isle of Capri and Italy.

      Louise was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Louise's favorites was the family dog, Cindy. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her two parakeets, Janey and Johnny.

      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Louise accepted retirement and made the most of it. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling on cruises.

      Louise passed away on March 11, 2008 at home in San Leandro California from a long illness with kidney problems. She is survived by her husband Keith, daughter Kim, son-in-law Patrick, grandchildren Dyami, Andrea and Rebecka, great grandchildren Esme and Owen, her sister Marie, cousin Marlene, nieces Kathie, Gale, Christine and Leslie, nephew Steve as well as a great nieces and nephews Jessica & Bryon, Robbie & Allen. Services were held at Guerrero Mortuary. Louise was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

      Though she could be a private person at times, Louise was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Louise carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Louise F. Smith shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Louise for the strength of her convictions.