Fay Sanders Smith

SMITH-Fay Sanders Smith, In loving memory of our wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Fay S. Smith passed away unexpectedly this past Monday October 4th. And as we grieve our loss, we reflect on what she has meant to her loved ones - something that can be summed up in one word, family. Fay was born August 19, 1938 in Grinnell, Iowa. At the age of one, her family sought the opportunities that Southern California offered at that time and moved to Downey. In High School, she met Larry Smith whose good looks and charm were irresistible. They married in 1954, settled in Temple City, and it wasn't long until the young couple started their family. Son Mark in 1955, daughter Christine Fay in 1957, daughter Lucinda in 1958, son Jeff in 1959, and daughter Denise in 1961. Known for their good behavior out in public, raising the kids was her focus while Larry went off to work. Fay cooked the meals, doled out the discipline, kept the house clean, and held the volume down to a dull roar. Fay is survived by her faithful husband Larry whom she was married to for 56 years, her five children and their spouses, 17 of her 18 grandchildren, and two great grand children, her two sisters Lucinda Williams and Jane Galante, along with several nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in laws. Her granddaughter, Amanda Fay preceded her to heaven. Family has been the cornerstone of Fay's life and Fay has been the cornerstone of her family. Fay and Larry have been best friends. In addition to spending a good part of each year in Kona, they literally have travelled the world and have been on six of the seven continents. It seemed as if Fay had a reserved seat at the Bellagio in Las Vegas right in front of the video poker machine. Most recently, horse racing has been their passion. They have owned several horses, watching them run and win, at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar. Fay's unexpected passing on October 4th is a great loss for the family. But, with their great love for wife, friend, mom and "Grandma Fay," they have wonderful memories of a giggle, a cackle, a warm greeting and the legacy of strength in marriage and in family. Memorial service will be held at Cabot & Sons, 27 Chestnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91103 at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday October 9th, 2010. Burial will follow at San Gabriel Cemetery, 601 Roses Road, San Gabriel, CA 91775.