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Brynne Smith Obituary

Brynne Alana Smith
January 26, 1988 - September 21, 2013

Brynne Alana Smith, the vivacious 25-year-old daughter of Gregg and Sharon Smith, Bend, Oregon, died September 21 in a helicopter crash on a return flight from lunch in Sedona to Scottsdale Airport. Brynne was born in Phoenix and lived in Scottsdale most of her life.

As nearly everyone has said to her grieving parents, "Brynne was a beautiful girl, inside and out." Graced with physical beauty, her kind and giving heart was even more visible to all who knew her. She was a caring daughter, whose last contact with her parents was the night before in a text message telling each of them "I love you!"

With a gorgeous smile and gentle spirit, boys couldn't help but fall in love with Brynne easily and often. (Well, really, everyone did.) Her many girlfriends loved her positive attitude, generosity and fierce loyalty. Committed to being active and maintaining a healthy mind and body, Brynne was devoted to CrossFit training and was hoping to enter bodybuilding contests. (If she could ever find time after her long days as administrative assistant at Colony American Homes and classes with the University of Phoenix.)

Brynne's greatest joy was scuba diving with her dad in exotic locales. Brynne and her mother loved to lie in bed watching their favorite TV shows and eating frozen yogurt, playing bingo, enjoying happy hours and shopping. From an early age, Brynne displayed a flair for fashion and a special sense of style. And, yes, she loved animals, especially her beautiful brindle boxer, Jax.

Brynne's favorite song, John Lennon's "Imagine," so moved her that she tattooed the title on her back. The lyrics held great meaning for her, "You, you may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us. And the world will live as one."

In addition to her parents, two brothers, Scott Shopper and Troy Smith; sister-in-law Stacey Smith, sister Shannon Carpenter; grandmother, Mary Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews around the country, survive Brynne.

A memorial service to honor Brynne's life will be held on Saturday, September 28, at 3 p.m. at the Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in the name of Brynne Smith to the Arizona Humane Society.

Click here to view the notice as it appeared in print.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Brynne Smith

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September 30, 2013

Brynne, you were such a sweet and beautiful girl, the world has lost a truly good soul. I hope you're at peace, ladybug. Condolences to your family and close friends, this has to be a devastating loss for them...

M & S

September 30, 2013

Although we did not know Brynne personally, we were saddened to read of your loss. May "the God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) be with you all at this time.

September 29, 2013

With Deepest Sympathy at this sad time. A special life has passed from sight... Our heavenly creator is Love in his memory BRYNNE is not forgotten 1John 4:8

Ginger Benson

September 28, 2013

I met Brynne when she lived in our neighborhood and was always struck by her wide eyed innocence and beauty. When I saw her beautiful vintage prom dress I went back to my closet to to see if I had any cool items of clothing she would love from way back when. Deep in my closet I found a box of vintage 80's jewelry and knew then that they would be going to a new home. Each time I go through my jewelry I always find something from that era and I always think of Brynne and how excited she was by receiving a big box of crazy looking, bright colored jewelry. I am so sorry Greg and Sharon for your loss. My heart breaks for you. She had a light about her that was breathtaking. She truly was an angel.

M Kitchen

September 28, 2013

My brynnie... I love and miss you, you touched my life in so many ways

Abby Hendren

September 26, 2013

I was blessed to spend a few days with Brynne when she attended an out of town wedding with a dear friend of mine. In that short amount of time, I fell in love with her spirit and her infectious smile & laugh (as I know everyone she met that weekend did). I remember just cracking up at multiple funny things she said, and feeling completely comfortable around her, like I had known her forever. Before I met Brynne I was already so grateful for her, and I'll always feel blessed to have known her. She was a darling, funny, sweet, and truly wonderful person. My heart is broken for her friends and family, who have many prayers for them coming from Missouri.

September 26, 2013

To the Smith family, as one of Lulu's oldest and dearest friends, I am so saddened by your tragic loss of such a beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Patty Lewis

Bill Vinikour

September 26, 2013

Sharon and Gregg:
I am so sorry for your loss. Brynne's passing removes a little of the youth in all of us. It's hard to "imagine" she's gone, but she'll always be in our hearts and minds!

September 26, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

September 25, 2013

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Brynne only two months ago. We saw immediately the love between she and your son and how our daughter lit up when she walked up to our table. She was so sweet and kind to us and we cannot forget her beautiful smile and the pictures she shared of she and her precious pup. We continue to pray for your comfort through this unimaginable time and will look forward to the day we get to meet her again! With love, Mike and Judy Reber

Scott Smith

September 25, 2013

Gregg & Sharon.

I am deeply sadden and so sorry for the loss of your daughter.

Our prayers are with all of your family and Brynee's freinds

Richard & Susan Abele

September 25, 2013

Bless you, Brynnie..we'll always remember you & our girls waking up early, walking the beach in your pj's looking for sand dollars & seashells! Thank you Sweetie for your kindness, love & patience.
Our hearts ache with you, Sharon & Gregg

Kathy Blashinsky

September 25, 2013

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Please know that God holds you in the palm of his hand and I pray he gives you peace and love. My prayers are with all of you.

Dorothy McGuinness

September 25, 2013

Brynne was the sweet little girl next door who played with my boys, Ryan and Nathan. Always happy and smiling, we'll never forget your loving soul. Prayers and love to Greg and Sharon

Richard/Susan Abele

September 25, 2013

God bless you, Brynnie...we'll always remember you and our girls up early in your pj's walking the beach looking for starfish & shells...pure joy! You have forever touched our family's life with love, patience& kindness. Thank you, Sweetie

Sheryl Chiaramonte

September 25, 2013

I only met Brynne a couple of times, she was genuine and friendly and I know, loved by many. I am heartbroken for her parents, family and friends and wish you all strength.

Sarah Fairbank

September 25, 2013

I met sweet Brynne at her cousin Kirsten's wedding shower and it became so obvious from that one encounter that she was beautiful inside and out. This place we call earth has lost a wonderful person, but Heaven has gained an amazing angel. She will always be with you and watching over you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Lots of love being sent your way.

Carrie Hodgson

September 25, 2013

Brynne, I feel so blessed to have been able to meet you for the first time 4 years ago in Mexico. Within minutes of walking in the door you made me feel as if this was not our first meeting. I will never forget your beautiful smile, your physical beauty and most of all your kindness. I wish that we could have spent more time together and gotten together again. You are greaty missed.

Love,
Aunt Carrie

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