Andrea Lee Smith

1960 - 2025

Andrea burst into this world three weeks late on May 6, 1960, in Denver, Colorado - already on her own schedule and with a spark that would never dim. A true firecracker from the start, Andrea lived with passion, color, and creativity, leaving a little glitter wherever she went.

Andrea's world was filled with wonder and whimsy. She adored Mickey Mouse, was forever loyal to the Beatles, and could lose herself in puzzles and shadow boxes. She believed in fairies and never stopped searching for heart-shaped rocks, seeing magic in the ordinary. Andrea had a remarkable gift for creativity - she sketched intricate freehand drawings, painted rocks with loving detail, built whimsical willow ladders, and designed enchanting fairy gardens. She truly sprinkled magic and sparkle into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Andrea attended school in Gooding (3rd-12th grades) and then attended Boise State University. After her schooling, she worked in greenhouses surrounded by the plants she loved, worked at Annabelle's in the 1980's and then as a housekeeper where her kindness shone through. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and time in naturepeaceful moments where her soul could breathe.

For nearly 40 years, she was a devoted viewer of The Young & the Restless - a constant in her life. She cherished the fun and connection of time spent at Anderson Ranch with the Tschannen family, especially at Jay's cabin, and more recently, was able to travel with us to our dad's cabin in the Adirondacks in 2021 - memories we'll treasure forever.

She had so many lifelong, loyal friends and great neighbors. She definitely had a heart of gold. Her proudest journey began on July 27, 2016, when she made the brave decision to quit drinking - cold turkey. Andrea nearly made her 9-year sobriety anniversary, and we are endlessly proud of her strength and determination.

Andrea is survived by her father, Frank Smith of Queensbury, NY; stepfather Walt Locke of Gooding, ID; sister Ilse Winnett (Lee Pearson) of Boise, ID; half-brothers Dave (Linda) Smith of Wyndmoor, PA, and Rob Smith of Eagle, CO. She was a loving aunt to Sean (Kelsey) Winnett of Meridian, ID; David Smith of Columbia, SC; Emily Smith of Philadelphia, PA; Bradley Smith of Seattle, WA; and Finn Smith of Eagle, CO. Just one month before Andrea's passing, she became a great-aunt to sweet Hazel Winnett of Meridian, IDa joyful light in our time of loss.

Andrea died peacefully and is now reunited in heaven with our beloved mom, Marlene Carraway Swofford, and loving grandparents Elsie and Ralph Anderson. We remember the heartbreak of losing our mom and grandma just one day apart in 1998. Also greeting her are her stepmother, Kathie Smith, sister-in-law, Lori Smith... and her beloved dog, Toby, of 16 years.

Our deepest thanks go to Dr. Dorothy Buening at Full Circle Health for her compassion and for making home visits that brought Andrea comfort in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic in Andrea's memory, a cause close to our hearts.

Godspeed, Andrea. I will see you on the other side and, hopefully, in my dreams. I so enjoyed spending time with you these past 9 years as we became so much closer. Thank you for making me a better person.

A celebration of life will be held in Boise later this summer. All who knew and loved Andrea are welcome to attend and share in remembering her colorful, courageous, and loving spirit.