SHARON E. SMITH March 5, 1950 – Oct. 20, 2020

Sharon E. Smith, 1950-2020, died unexpectedly at home Oct. 20, 2020. 

Sharon was born March 5, 1950, to Hiel K. (Jimmy/Snuffy) Smith and Mildred E. Smith (nee Martens) at Las Vegas, NM, where she lived and attended school. She always considered herself “a Vegas girl” with all the attitude and spunk that connoted.

She was a graduate of Robertson High School and earned a BA degree from New Mexico Highlands University, then went on to the University of Texas at Austin for graduate school in library science. She worked at libraries in Ohio and Texas, and eventually returned to New Mexico, coming to Los Alamos National Laboratory to work in the library and records management.

She retired in 2016, which let her spend more time focusing on her interests, which were varied: figure skating, golf, history (particularly NM and World War I history), movie musicals, rodeos, and of course, her cats.  

Sharon had a rare ability to connect easily with almost anyone, and also to nurture deep, life-long friendships. She was preceded in death by her parents, and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by first cousins: Mary A. Bell, Happy Valley, OR; Charles A. Jordan, Orcutt, CA; Linda Ryan, Youngsville, NC; Patricia Smith, Las Vegas, NM; James F. Smith, Tijeras, NM; Elizabeth P. Brumbelow, Geary, OK; and James E. Smith, Choctaw, OK, as well as many off-spring of these cousins who remember her. She is also remembered by close friends throughout the world, many of whom considered her to be part of their family. Oh, and by her beloved cat, Amy.

There will be an online memorial service March 5 to celebrate Sharon’s life. Please contact Kathy Gursky (boltsky @ cachi99.net) for details.