Shizuko Smith

Shizuko Smith

Feb. 7, 1930 - June 26, 2012

HAYES CENTER, Nebraska -- Shizuko Smith, age 82, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook following a battle with cancer.

Shizuko was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in Tokuyama, Japan to Kazui and Kura (Fukuya) Ishida. On Sept. 11, 1962, she married William Earl Smith at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. To this union, one son was born, Dolan. Shizuko immigrated to the United States of America on Oct. 25, 1962. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America on June 11, 1970.

Shizuko was an active woman. She was always working; something always had to be done. Her lifelong passions and joys were gardening and her grandchildren. She loved planting, nurturing and harvesting her beautiful garden. Being with her grandchildren always brought smiles and laughter to Shizuko. She enjoyed seeing their talents expand and their personalities develop.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents; brother, Junji; and sister, Yoko Murata.

Survivors include her son, Dolan and wife, Charlie; granddaughters, Jasmyn and Hannah, all of Palisade, Nebraska; sister, Mitsuko and husband, Yoshio of Japan; brother-in-law, Gene and wife, Janet Smith of Coronado, California.

Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska.

At her request, no services will be held. Please send condolences to 36033 Road 728, Palisade, NE 69040.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.