Hope Gwendolyn Eaton Nicholson Smith

Hope Gwendolyn Eaton Nicholson Smith. May 18, 1928 - March 27, 2026.

Mom was born in Boston Massachusetts May 18, 1928, eagerly awaited by her parents, Olive Myrtle Cudworth and Edward Earl Eaton. They were engaged in ministry and service to others their whole lives, which they passed on to their daughter. The family lived throughout New England pastoring small Congregational churches. Both of mom's parents were pastors. She was an integral part of their ministry.

Mom's mother died of cancer when she was 16. Mom graduated and moved with her father to Nebraska where she attended Kearney State College achieving a teaching degree. There she met and married her husband, LaVerne Edwin Nicholson.

She continued her education pursuing her Masters Degree in Music at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln while she worked and raised their 6 children. They divorced in 1968.

Mom found new love with Lynn Smith. They married May 29, 1969 in Grand Island, Nebraska. The blended family between them totaled 9 children. They shared their lives with people in several communities in Kane, Pennsylvania, New Albany Indiana, and Imperial Beach, California. Wherever she went, mom was involved in ministry and music, her chosen career. She worked many jobs to make ends meet, but was always the organist, pianist, choir director, sometimes church secretary. She also directed Handbells and Community Choirs in several communities. Her heart was in ministry to others which she passed on to her children.

As Mission Chair at Imperial Beach United Methodist Church mom started several ministries that remain ongoing in the community, food distributions for the hungry, a rotating schedule all year for churches to keep the homeless and offer services. Their small church put in 2 showers so they could accommodate homeless patrons during their weeks to house them. She and dad were on the Council for their building where they established celebrations, community meals, regular card games and get togethers. She used her high school Spanish to remove communication difficulties with other residents and bring everyone together. She was a force to be reckoned with. There was no stopping her when she had something she wanted to do. You could help or get out of the way.

Hope died quietly in the hospital on March 27, 2026, a life well lived. She will be remembered by her children Mike Smith, Carol Nicholson, Marty Pawnee, Scott Nicholson, Elizabeth Chase, Megan Sutker, and Susan Trucks, as well as many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Nicholson, daughter Khanne Nicholson Hubert, and parents, Olive and Earl Eaton. Service will be private. Donations in memory of Hope Smith can be made to Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center. This cause had its roots in her United Methodist Church in Imperial Beach and continues to expand on their ministries.

Ibneighbor.org

She lives on in our hearts.