Lorraine Gasper Smith

Apr 25, 1925 -

Sep 17, 2020

Lorraine was raised in Springville, N.Y., by her parents Gordon and Mildred Gasper. In January 1947, she married Bertrand C. Smith. She died peacefully at home on Sept. 17, 2020.

Lorraine joyously lived each day. She was a stay-at-home mother who made a comfortable home for her family while giving back to her community as a volunteer. In Hialeah, Fla., she helped found the Fellowship Presbyterian church; helped establish the "Block Home" program, designed to provide a safe haven for children walking to and from school; and became President of the Meadowlane Elementary School PTA. With her family, she enjoyed camping in a tent camper named "The Smith Family Holiday Inn."

In 1967, the FAA transferred Bert to Anchorage, Alaska. One of Lorraine's favorite adventures was spending eight weeks camping her way from Florida to Alaska. She fell in love with Alaska. The Smith family often camped and fished on the Kenai Peninsula and other Alaska campgrounds and fishing holes. All her life she was ready to travel on day trips with family and friends, enjoying their company and Alaska's and Florida's scenery.

In Alaska she continued to volunteer in her community. She was co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 150 for a decade. Later she became a volunteer at the Anchorage Log Cabin. She loved to help tourists find the perfect resources to enhance their Alaska vacation, and to trade a few stories along the way.

Lorraine strongly believed everyone should participate in our democracy. In 1968, she volunteered as a poll worker for Alaska's Division of Elections. During the next four decades she held most volunteer positions and spent many years working in the Anchorage Election office. When she turned 80, she decided it was time to retire, but she never missed voting in any municipal, state or national election.

When Bert retired, he and Lorraine were free to travel. They became snowbirds, traveling to Sarasota, Fla., during the winters, as well as taking several trips to Europe. When Bert passed, Lorraine continued to travel to Florida, to other countries, and around Alaska with family and friends. She spent her last few years in her home and in the state she loved. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah; her son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Kathy; and numerous nieces, nephews and their extended families. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.