Elizabeth Josephine Smith, 91

Elizabeth Josephine Smith, 91, wife and mother, died in Coeur d'Alene, Aug. 15, 2008.

Born in Sandpoint, Dec. 11, 1916, to Joseph and Anna Elizabeth Hudon, she was the fourth of five daughters and grew up on a small farm.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Sandpoint High School and worked at the creamery where she met her future husband, Paul W. Smith, a rancher and farmer at Glengary. They married in 1943, moved to Colfax, Wash., for a short time, and eventually settled in Coeur d'Alene in 1953.

Elizabeth and Paul were active parishioners at St. Thomas Catholic Church where she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for more than 50 years. She volunteered for wedding receptions and funeral dinners, and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Holy Family School through countless garage sales. Her "Attic Treasures" booth at the annual church bazaar was always very popular. For several years Elizabeth also edited the weekly parish bulletin.

Having grown up during the Depression, Elizabeth was naturally frugal and always strived to have a bountiful garden. She enjoyed canning and making a variety of jams and jellies. Her family and friends always looked forward to her homebaked, braided raisin bread. She also served many years as a Camp Fire and 4-H leader, teaching sewing and cooking. Her other interests included playing the piano and keeping up on current events. Elizabeth was always available during election season to register voters and to assist at local precincts.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Paul and son, Dennis. Her survivors include her sister, Margaret Hudon O.S.F. of Tacoma, Wash.; her three children: Paul Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska, Theresa Esztergalyos of Vancouver, Wash., and Celine Lehman of Coeur d'Alene; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A rosary was held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene. The funeral Mass was held Friday, Aug. 22, at St. Thomas Church in Coeur d'Alene.

Following the burial at St. Thomas Cemetery, a luncheon will be served at St. Thomas Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family School, 3005 Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Please sign Elizabeth's guest registry and view her online memorial at englishfuneralchapel.com.