Catherine "Katie" Smith

Catherine Jane Smith, better known as Katie, was called to the Lord’s presence on April 30, 2017. She was born in Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire, England to Robert (Bob) and Mary Nicholson. She was raised in the Cotswold area and in Sussex. Her upbringing was in rural areas where she developed a lasting interest in horticulture. While her parents are gone, she has two siblings who live in England, Winifred (Bunty) Reed (John dec) and Maria Barber (Phil). While she had no children of her own, there are many nephews, nieces, and cousins who mourn her loss. Katie was adventurous and spent a year after school working in France under the auspices of the University of Paris, teaching glass house horticultural techniques. In 1968, she came to America and settled in the Bay Area where she found work as a nanny to several families. She attended Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley where she met the love of her life, Rodney Smith. They were married in December 1970 and set up housekeeping in Fremont, Calif, where she lived out her life. Katie was a homemaker, avid racquetball player, and she volunteered at numerous activities. She spent many years working in the church office. She and Rodney traveled widely in the US and Britain, visiting many renowned gardens and parks. Her real passion was caring for the gardens at Shinn Park in Fremont. She joined the Friends of Heirloom Flowers and spent many hours each week caring for the flowers and plants in this park. Her knowledge of horticulture helped the Friends keep the gardens beautiful for weddings, family get-togethers and photos. She helped each December making wreaths to adorn the windows of the Shinn House at Christmas time. She did this as recently as Christmas 2016. In January 2017, Katie was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. She faced this illness with a stoic outlook and found peace as she trusted the Lord’s will for her, whatever that might be. She never lost her enthusiasm for matters she felt important. She prepared her husband for life without her presence and accepted the Lord’s will for her. God gave her the grace to be a truly brave and courageous person up to the end of her life on this earth. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held June 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Fremont Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, Katie asks any donations in her honor be sent to the charity of your choice.

Catherine "Katie" Smith

June 4, 1944 - April 30, 2017