Aliza Rose Smith

Aliza “Elsie” Smith was born February 14th, 1922 in Bronx, NY, preceded in death by her loving husband F. Glenn Smith. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Marc and Orna Silverman, son and daughter-in law Larry and Sandy Silverman, and daughters Sharon Jacobowitz and Sara McBride. Daughter-in-law and son-in law Janet Parker and Glenn Smith, Jr. Grandchildren Netanel and Neta Silverman, Avinoam and Stacey Silverman, Amit and Anat Silverman, Daniel Jacobowitz, Ada and Merav Asor, Michael Silverman and Adrianna, Rachel Silverman, and Joshuah, Zachary, and Etan McBride. Great-grandchildren Eitan and Yona Silverman, Audrey Silverman, Isaac Silverman, and Michelle and Rachel. She had an incredible zest for life and desire to explore all possible avenues. Her love for the arts was at the forefront of her journey... she graduated from Hunter College in NY and then went on to obtain two different Master Degrees in Art. She wanted to spread the beauty and depth of art so she became a teacher principally in the Carrollton School District for more than 25 years. She put heart and soul in teaching her young students to appreciate and embrace art in their lives and her teaching inspired and touched many of her students. The teaching continued well into the late stages of her life-both to friends and family. She was teaching oil painting at Collin Community College at age 84!!! Better yet was the art she created both professionally and for all of us who have been lucky enough to display it in our homes. She was talented in many areas including oil painting, batik, sculpturing, water colors, lucite etchings, and many other mediums. Her art will leave a visual reminder of her legacy that will endure forever. She loved classical music especially opera. In her early years she sang opera and was recorded singing her favorite song “Summertime”. She sang as a soprano in the Temple Emanuel Choir for most of her life. She had a great love for her Jewish roots and attended Synagogue on a regular basis - this was a treat for the congregation as her melodic soprano voice would be heard prominently as prayers were chanted. The Jewish ethos of “Tikum Olam” was a driving force behind Mom’s life-long actions. Literally translated, it means that all Jews are commanded to save the world. It is our duty to be a positive difference maker to all those in need. Our mother lived her life with the idea that making a positive difference was the only way to conduct one's life – she epitomized this commandment in her actions consistently. She was a difference maker as a teacher, volunteer, artist, wife, and mother. She volunteered her time and efforts to many causes. She was an active member and teacher at the synagogue. She was an active member in Hadassah. She made sandwiches for the hungry and helped mentor youths. She was a docent at the Dallas Museum of Fine Art and often donated her art to money raising causes... She was a champion in tolerance of all people regardless of race or religion. Mom's many acts of "tikun-olam" helped us understand how to conduct ourselves as better citizens in our own lives. We learned from her to value and respect all people. She was a dedicated Mom who taught us the values of persistence, commitment, hard work, and tolerance. She helped us appreciate music and art and the power of giving. She loved her children with all her heart and continues to inspire us with her incredible thirst for all life can bring. She has traveled and explored the world with an unending thirst for discovery and education. Her influence is deeply ingrained in us all and will continue to always be a source of strength as we navigate the waters ahead. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel, with interment to follow at Shearith Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. For more information, please visit http://www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.