Rosemary Lucille Raridan Smith

Sacramento Bee, The - (Dec/5/2004)

Rosemary Lucille Smith

SMITH, Rosemary Lucille was born on June 9, 1929 in Lodi, California and passed away on November 30, 2004 in Sacramento, California.  The devoted daughter of Lucille Steele and Jesse Raridan and an affectionate sister to her two brothers and their wives, Jesse and Charlotte Raridan, and Jim and Rosilia Raridan.  She was a loving mother to three sons and their wives, Don and Carleen Smith, Keith Smith and Barbara Kline, and Gary and Danny Bollinger-Smith, and to her grandchildren, Emily, Jeremy, Suzie, Jennifer, Madeline, Conner, and Maggie.  Rosemary was a long time resident of Lodi and Sacramento.  As a child and teenager, she attended the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley and was an active member of the deaf community for most of her life.  She was married for 23 years to R.L. Smith and made her home in Sacramento.  Rosemary worked for and retired from the Army corps of Engineers.  She enjoyed her family, inspired some of her daughter-in-laws and grandchildren to learn American Sign Language, and was a loyal Forty-Niner and Kings fan.  In 1981, Rosemary was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but she was too stubborn to let MS define who she was.  Despite her increasing physical disability, she continued an active life, and when she could no longer drive, her motorized wheel chair became a common sight in her neighborhood.  She lived independently for as long as she was able, and even when she was completely confined to bed and had lost the ability to sign, she learned enough vocalization to be able to communicate with those around her.  Her room and captioned TV became the center for sports information and discussion with her friends at the Elk Grove Care and Rehab Center.  She was a special person and will be missed by her family and friends.  At her request there will be no funeral, but a memorial service will be held at a later date.  Remembrances can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the charity of your choice.

Published in the Sacramento Bee on 12/4/2004.