It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Soledad Smith Tapia, a loving and devoted Mother, Abuela, Sister, Tía, and cherished friend. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, to Alberto and Petra Smith, Maria was the sixth of seven children. Though she faced the profound loss of both parents by the age of five and was raised by her maternal grandparents, her life became a testament to resilience, faith, and love.
At age eleven, she moved to the United States, joining a family legacy deeply intertwined with Southern California history. Maria’s ancestors helped shape early San Diego in Old Town—where her family homes are preserved as museums today—and her lineage connects to the 11 founding families of the city of Los Angeles.
Yet, beyond her remarkable heritage, Maria’s true legacy was her heart. A devout Catholic, her life was defined by selfless devotion to others. She was the sweetest, kindest, and most dedicated mother to her children, Victor, and Lina, mother-in-law to Jenny, and Seth, and Abuela to Adam, Summer and Micah. She was the absolute heart of her family.
However, her maternal love extended far beyond her own home, as she spent much of her life helping raise her nieces and nephews and guiding them in their educational journeys.
She was our angel on earth, and though we will miss her deeply every day, her extraordinary legacy of love lives on in all of us.
