Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Colleen Smith Obituary
Colleen was born on March 4, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii to her now deceased parents, Teruo and Helen Yoshida. The oldest of four children, she was a proud graduate of Castle High School and Whittier College. At college she met the love of her life, Richard Smith, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage.
Colleen spent her life helping others. First as a social studies teacher and then as a middle school and high school administrator during her 35 year career in education in public and independent schools, including Winchester-Thurston School in Pittsburgh, PA and St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Jackson, MS. She touched the lives of countless students who remember her fondly. After moving to Roanoke she became deeply involved with Roanoke College and the Meals on Wheels program and continued to make a difference in people's lives.
In her spare time she enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, hiking, cross-stitching, reading mysteries, being a loving wife and mother and, most of all, a devoted grandmother to her two grandsons, Theodore and Julian.
Those who will cherish her memory include her husband, Richard; her son, Robert; her daughter-in-law, Rebecca; and her two grandchildren, Theodore and Julian. Her brother Stephen Yoshida and his wife Lorrine; her brother Ron Yoshida and his wife Dona; her brother Dean Yoshida and his wife Glory; her brother-in-law James Smith and his wife Laura; her sister-in-law Heidi Smith as well as many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends will treasure her memory and hold her in their hearts.
Her family would like to express sincere gratitude to everyone, especially the doctors and nurses, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their attentive and compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held on January 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the Roanoke College Chapel. Donations in her honor may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Roanoke College, Meals on Wheels, or an organization of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Smith
Sponsored by Lotz Funeral Home - Roanoke.
Mollie Halpern
January 11, 2026
Sending my condolences to Colleen's family. She was my teacher decades and decades ago, but I remember her so clearly. As a young girl, she was a real influence on me. I loved her confidence, kindness, and how she shared her culture with us. I'll also never forget her beautiful smile and long black hair. May she rest in peace.
Harley Ungar
January 9, 2026
"Smith Sensei, Ohayogozaimasu!" These were the words Mrs. Smith taught us to say upon entering her 6th grade Social Studies classroom at Winchester each morning. She was a teacher par excellence: demanding organization and academic rigor, promoting respect for classmates and ourselves (which was challenging for a group of middle school girls!), and igniting a deep and lasting curiosity about cultures around the world. She inspired me to become a social studies teacher when I made a career change later in life. She was an inspiration.
How you can show support
Annie Guentner
January 6, 2026
So sorry about this sad news. Colleen had her classroom across mine at WT. So we often shared our thoughts . She always had a smile on her face and was so proud of her son.
Alyssa Caroselli
January 6, 2026
There aren´t that many teachers out there like Mrs. Smith. She really went the extra mile. I still remember the little Japanese she taught us in 6th grade. It came in handy this year when I traveled to Japan. She really cared for all her students.
Mark Noftsinger
January 2, 2026
Richard & family - Kay and I send our sincere condolences and prayers for you all. We cherish the memories of us all serving at Roanoke College over the years. We are in Florida so not able to attend the service. Know we are thinking of you. Blessings, Mark and Kay Noftsinger
Wendy and Bill Krohn
December 26, 2025
Sincere condolences from the Krohn family, Wendy, Bill, and our 2 shitzu dogs. We only spoke to Colleen a few times while walking our dogs in the neighborhood, but she will be remembered as a very kind person. May your family and closest of friends be filled with everlasting peace. Sincerely, Wendy and Bill Krohn
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Colleen Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Colleen Smith
Funeral services provided by:
Lotz Funeral Home - Roanoke1001 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24016-4399
People and places connected with Colleen
Roanoke, VA
Roanoke Times
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Colleen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Colleen Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
