Karina Rowland-Smith was born on May 30th, 1979 to Dr. Robert and Kashy Rowland-Smith. She passed away at home with family by her side in Visalia, CA on September 13, 2018. We were blessed to have her with us for an additional 15 years after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer.
Karina will always be our special girl. Karina represented unconditional love and never met a stranger. 'Hello, my name is Karina. My friend. Love you too’ was how she greeted people. She touched many lives with her hugs, smiles and laughter.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church was her extended family. She was actively involved in regular worship, vacation bible school, church camp, and fellowship. She loved singing Alleluia’s, saying the Lord’s Prayer, and giving blessings.
Karina attended special education classes in Visalia and graduated from Mt. Whitney High school in 1997 and continued on at COS until age 22. Some of her favorite things to do over the years included: horseback riding, bowling, skiing, swimming, puzzles, cards, babysitting, and traveling. She loved sports and cheered for everyone! Counting numbers and keeping track of time were part of her daily routine.
Her passion for life included working out at Lifestyles for the past 20 years! Barely a day went by that she did not go to the gym.
Karina is survived by her grandmother Ann Pristop; parent’s Robert and Kashy Rowland-Smith; brother Ryan Rowland-Smith; sister’s Tanya Rowland and Andrea Martin; her aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held by St. Paul's Church at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust St, Visalia, CA on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 3:00 PM. A reception will be held after the services. Those attending are asked to wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made St. Paul’s Church, 2918 W. Main Street, Visalia, CA 93291. Donations will go towards building our new Children’s Chapel.
