Santa Cruz

Born in San Diego, Elisabeth Anna Smith (aka Lizzy or Lizzie), Sept. 24, 1983-Sept. 15, 2022 was a Santa Cruz resident; she died after a long illness. Elisabeth was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery Nov. 21, 2024. In attendance were: parents, Julia Clancy-Smith, Charles Smith, family and friends, with condolences from far and wide—nationally and internationally. Our family pastor presided over the ceremony.

She is the mother of Miles, her cherished only child. The most important moment in her life was his birth in 2009 and Elisabeth’s greatest desire was to be with him. They played at parks, went to movies, thrilled on Boardwalk rides, splashed on beaches, hiked, and fished off the SC wharf. Other favorite things were: Legos, pizza, ice-cream, and reading books. Together they crossed the US for family visits.

Before 2009, Elisabeth spent time in Europe, North Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico; she made friends everywhere. She played sports—soccer, volleyball, etc. In 2005, she earned a BA in Anthropology, the University of Colorado, Boulder, achieving the Dean’s List. After college, Elisabeth was employed by UC-San Diego and created an online business, “lovelightandinsight,” that flourished. She volunteered, participated in activist causes, and loved to work out.

When she departed in Sept. 2022, Elisabeth was pursuing another degree in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College. One course assignment written before her death reveals her devotion to teaching children: “I love to sing, I love to dance, all of the voices and notes, in the universe, watch me prance, watch us sing and dance.”

She is survived by Miles, Daddy, Mom, extended family, and countless friends. We miss Lizzy terribly, her smile, laugh, humor, and beautiful blue eyes.