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Georgia Smart Obituary
Georgia Anne SMART Nov. 23, 1948 ~ Jan. 25, 2010 Georgia passed peacefully with family by her side after a courageous battle with brain cancer for over 2 years. She was a lifetime resident of Seattle, graduating from Ballard High in 1967 where she was a cheerleader and on the honor roll, then earning a B.A. in Speech and Theatre Arts from Washington State University. She was employed in the hotel industry including Intercontinental Hotels Group, Aljoya Conference Center, the Olympic Hotel and Westin Hotels where she worked for 25 years becoming Director of Catering and Convention Services. Georgia's duties at the downtown Westin included planning meetings, celebrations and weddings as well as huge corporate events for prominent families and corporations in the Seattle area. She also coordinated all meetings and events for the historical APEC Conference with President Bill Clinton. She was in charge of greeting all visiting dignitaries to the Westin; presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors and other world leaders including Queen Elizabeth. In 1980 Georgia was listed in Outstanding Young Women of America. She loved to travel and experience new things, a quality that took her many places from Hawaii to Europe and even coaxed her into parachuting out of an airplane. Her talent, work ethic and sense of humor earned her enormous loyalty and respect from co-workers and legions of friends. In a Seattle Westin Hotel newsletter it stated: "Miss Smart supervises a staff of 14 with a finesse admired by everyone who's ever tried to oversee even a single major event. The fact that she does it everyday and with such an unerring sense for detail and decorum is nothing short of miraculous. Here's a toast to her brilliance behind the scenes." Preceded in death by her father, Douglas A. Smart, a U. of W. graduate and popular local high school teacher, Georgia is survived by; her mother, Kathleen Smart, sister Jean Smart (Richard) Gilliland, brothers Doug (Juanita) Smart, John (Sue) Smart and nieces and nephews; Alex, Michael, Connor, Paige, David and Bonnie. She is gone too soon and we will all miss her terribly. Remembrances may be made in Georgia's name to: The Chris Elliott Fund (for Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Research), 704 - 228th Ave. N. E. #254, Sammamish, WA 98074 Memorial Service at a future date -- Call (818)461-9119 for more information. Visit www.Legacy.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Georgia Smart
Laurie (Phelps) Nickels
September 16, 2024
I knew Georgia from my time working at The Westin Hotel. Although I was "just" a room clerk - she was always so engaging and warm and I could tell even then - she owned the room wherever she was and had a blast doing it. I recall her wearing beautiful clothes - bright and gorgeous colors. One in particular was a sunny yellow blazer. I also recall her 'borrowing' the hotel's Town Car to pick her sister up at the airport on occasion. It was so clear to me how much she loved her. She was a riot too - funny as hell. I thought about her today - the day after her sister made a great speech at The Emmy's. Not sure why it moved me to write something - but it did. Wishing her loved ones sun and light - much like Georgia herself.
Rick and Jana Robinson
February 1, 2022
Eleven years have passed since we last posted or read the other posts about Georgia on this site. Jana and I have just finished going through the obituary and loving comments again, and we are still nostalgic about our times back at WSU with Georgia and the theater gang - which was now 50 years ago. One memory that still tickles us was about a recurring joke that Georgia spearheaded when we were touring high schools with "the Commedians" traveling theater group. At some point, she had regaled us with stories of how her family had used the euphemism "fluffing" for passing gas. So, being the knotheads we young actors were, we took up the challenge of seeing who of us could work the word most creatively into our Shakespearian dialogue during live performances. The high school students and teachers seemed none the wiser and we actors shared a hilarious in-joke - until the director finally put a stop to it. ..."And tell me now, sweet friend, what happy gale fluffs you to Padua here from old Verona."
Rachel Pizarro
March 3, 2010
I worked with Georgia at the Westin Seattle from 1987 to 1994, and I was always impressed with her professionalism and enormous capacity to attend to every little detail. She was wonderful to work with and we all loved her energy and consideration for everyone. It was a true privilege to work with her and I am sorry to see her candle burned out so soon. But it did glow brighter than most. Condolences to the family. Rachel Pizarro
Laura Boro
February 25, 2010
I just heard of the passing of Georgia and though years have passed from the school days at Ballard High School it is obvious from the comments on her life, and her heart, she is a testimony to a life well lived and well-loved. Nothing speaks more of a person in passing than how they lived and it is obvious, she spoke in volumes!
Dav*d Hargrave
February 22, 2010
Dear Jean and family,
It took me a while to realize what happened, to me, today at Georgia’s memorial at the Canal.
First of all I felt giddy and drunk, though I didn’t have any wine or drinks. It was some mystical emotion that I was imbibing. It was the nectar of love, ambrosia.
As I was driving away, I imagined myself with the microphone in my hand saying this:
**My favorite memory of Georgia will always be today, right now, amongst friends. This rare feeling. We all have our individual feelings about our relationship with Georgia. . . . what I am feeling today, right now, is a dimension of Love, of all our cumulative feelings at once. An expression of Soul Love.
Personalities are dwarfed by the rare feelings of the Soul, when the soul reaches out to touch other souls. Personalities are mysterious, hidden, clever ~~~~~~ The soul is simple and very real for all to see. A soul knows the soul in others……… love knows love. Love magnifies the love in others, with safe surety.
This is the love that gathers us together for these moments of memorial. This is the ambrosia in which we float today, like a floral Lei, kissing the warm ocean waves. Buoyant and dissolving into the Eternal Currents of Divine Presence.**
Today I feel blessed; today I feel graced.
Dav*d Hargrave
To Love my Love
More fully
I would see her
Through the hearts
Of all who
Love her
And freely share my
Heart’s sight
With them
Dav*d
Vickie Baughn
February 18, 2010
I am so sad to hear of Georgia's passing. What a class act she was! I still smile when I remember how she could not stand the thought that we would have a "Buffet" at the reunion. Although we only saw each other at reunions and on the planning committee, it was always like I had just seen her the day before. There is something special about life long friends.
February 17, 2010
To the Smart family. In this time of sorrow we would like to express our deepest sympathy in your loss of Georgia. We know how much she will be missed. Remember the good times. My memory of Georgia goes back to Blue Birds( North Beach).
Our sincere sympathy, Mason & Linda Williams
IDA MATSUDAIRA
February 17, 2010
When I worked at The Westin Seattle, I had the privilege of hearing Georgia give her speeches. First of all I always felt sorry for the person who had to follow her. And, unbeknownst to me that she was a theatre major, I thought to myself, "Wow! This woman belongs on the stage, on Broadway!" Georgia was so carismatic,spoke with such drama, flair, and her unique wit/humor. Most importantly, the measure of a really good person is how they treat others. Georgia was always nice and respectful to everyone, no matter what their position was at the hotel. This is how I remember her best.
My condolances to her mother Kathleen,her sister, brothers and extended family members. One smiles when we think of Georgia Smart.
February 16, 2010
So sorry to hear the news. We often talk about the days on 19th and 20th where we played kick-the -can, we also rave about Jean in her many productions on the screen. We hope know Georgia is in a better place now and think fondly of her. Best Regards Georg, Billy and Darlene Syvertsen
February 16, 2010
I went to Ballard with Georgia, I didn't know her well but I knew she was on the committee in organizing our Balard High reunions. She played a big part in coordinating these events, which I so appreciated.
Diane Nelson, Redmond, WA
Sandra Cook
February 14, 2010
We went to school with Georgia and worked with her planning High School class reunions. She missed the last one because she was ill with the beginning of the cancer. We will miss her! Neal and Sandy Cook Class of 67
Kathi Ciskowski
February 13, 2010
My condolences to the Smart family on the loss of Georgia. My mother, Elise Reichert, was close friends with Dorothy Smart during high school and they remained in touch until my mother's death. With my mother's affection for the Smart family in mind, I send these condolences...
Dan Nagel
February 12, 2010
I worked with Georgia at the Westin Hotel for several years. Georgia was always great to talk to and always told you what was on her mind. She will be missed. Blessings to the Smart family.
Helen Szablya
February 12, 2010
We all loved Georgia and she loved us back with all her might. Since the first time I heard her laugh in 1968 or 69 I knew she would be a friend. She eventually became a big part of my family's life as my father was a professor at WSU and she loved to visit our large family with all the little kids. It was an joy to be a part of her life and an honor to participate in her fight with cancer...and did she fight! We will miss her and love her forever and she is here with us always. Love to the entire Smart Family. Helen Szablya
Janos Szablya
February 11, 2010
My love to the Smart Family, Georgia was an important part of my life. I will miss her dearly.
Warren Beach
February 11, 2010
I was so blessed by the friendship of such a beautiful person as Georgia. I only knew her for a short 7 years, but they were a better 7 years knowing such a fun and high spirited lady. We loved to give each other a bad time no matter where we were meeting. It was expected not only by Georgia, but anyone we were around at the time! My Condolences to the Smart family. I love you Georgia.
Nora Chester
February 11, 2010
I met Georgia at my first audition for the Theatre Department at WSU. She was an upper classman, very glamourous in a very short mini. definitely one of the "in" crowd. I was nervous and intimidated. She always claimed I tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Would you allow me to introduce myself and bum a cigarette?' then blithely took the cigarette and a light and never told her my name. All i know is that from then on we were friends. We became roommates, sharing apartments in Pullman and for one hilarious summer after graduation, a little place at the very top of Queen Anne Hill. Her friendship was one of the joys of my youth. I have a thousand wonderful memories of our golden days at WSU and various reunions in Seattle and New York and our last visit this July. I cherish that conversation and what it meant to both of us. Like so many others, I loved her dearly and was never in doubt of her affection. She had a great, warm, generous and loyal heart, and I defy anyone who heard her laugh to ever forget it. The loss is enormous and only outshadowed by the joy we had in knowing our adorable girl.
My deepest sympathy to her mother and Jean, Doug and John and their families.
Joel Menold
February 11, 2010
To the Smart family, my condolences for your loss. I did not know Georgia however, her father Douglass was an exceptional industrial arts instructor I had at Ballard High School, 50 years ago and some of the skills & knowledge I learned back then in his class, I still use today. He was one of my favorites. Respectfully submitted, Joel Menold class of '57
Charlie Swanson
February 9, 2010
Georgia was one of a kind and will be missed. My prayers and condolences go out to her family.
I have so many memories of her. We met at WSU when I was a freshman and got a chorus role in the musical. Georgia was in that play and many others. She was an integral and very active member of the theater dept. I auditioned because I was a lonely, freshman and wanted to meet people. I ended up with lifetime friends, none more kind, loyal and dear than Georgia. She was so fun and funny, with a tremendous joy for life. Georgia was the biggest list maker I have ever met.
We logged in a lot of miles and a lot of laughs touring Shakespeare to high school kids. We had a lot of cramming for tests at the apartment she shared with her roommates though we probably did as much singing along with her scratchy record player as we did studying. Our little theater group was a great family and all loved Georgia.
After school we still kept in touch and visited when I was in Seattle but, as things often go, we drifted apart though the years. Luckily, we reconnected a couple years ago. I'm grateful to have had that time to reminisce about our lives and families. I was so gratified to find my old friend as fun, funny and wonderful as ever.
Peter Jr Evans
February 9, 2010
Former Ballard HS Teacher, Peter Evans, Jr., and wife, Anna D. Evans send our regards to Kathleen and the family in your hour of great loss.
Sally Swint O'Neill
February 9, 2010
Georgia and I both worked at the Olympic Hotel in the 70's. At the time also working at the Olympic was Sally Williams, Sally Swint (me), Sally George, Georgie Schwietzer,and Georgia Smart. Many people had a difficult time keeping us straight, but as Georgia would say "We know who we are, what's the problem?" I have many fond memories of those times. I will miss Georgia but am so glad that I had the chance to know her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Paula Pickering
February 9, 2010
Georgia was such a pleasure to work with and be around. I always looked forward to our meetings whether they were planned or the frequent unannounced ones (we would tease her that she was only coming by for a free meal). She had a heart of gold! Geo, you will be greatly missed. XoXo~ from all of us here at the Holiday Inn Seattle-Issaquah.
Katherine White
February 9, 2010
I worked with Georgia for many years when I was part of the planning for the annual Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Sports Star of the Year Awards. The word that comes to mind when I think of Georgia is "class." ...followed closely by "perfectionist." She had a knack for calming my jittery nerves as the date drew close to the "big event." After the first year of working with her, I realized I was, indeed, in good hands. What a great, infectious personality!So full of life, she was. My husband also worked with Georgia while in his convention services business, and he echoes my sentiments. Our heartfelt condolences to Georgia's family during this difficult time.
Judy Helstad
February 8, 2010
God Bless your family at this time. May you find comfort remembering all the good times .... she will live in your hearts forever! Much Love Judy
February 8, 2010
Georgia ~ The classiest and best at what she did ~ could have and probably should have written the book for The White House on protocol and how to throw the most gorgeous parties. We go back almost 30 years - it's hard to believe she was so good at what she did, so young. We became instant friends, her at almost 6 feet and me at less than 5 - those of us in Cincinnati and later Seattle (where we both worked for Westin), held what we called "orphan" dinners during the holidays for everyone who did not have family in the city where we lived. Needless to say, I never hosted because no one could top Georgia - from the decor to the livations to the feast of food and everything in between. I last spoke with Georgia a few months ago and despite her illness she maintained her infectious laugh and sense of humor.
We'll see you in heaven Miss G. All my love to your dear mom and family.
Laurie Luongo
February 7, 2010
Georgia, you were a one in a million, maybe more...you were devoted to your family, your friends, and last, to your job. You never did anything halfway, you always did everything full heart. What a loss to all of us left behind your wind. I loved you, and you have left a void in all of our lives. Kay, I know that this has left a void in your life too. Know that she loved you and all of her family. My tears and my loss cannot compare to yours as a family. All my love, Carole Powell
Rick and Jana Robinson
February 7, 2010
Jana and I are saddened and shocked to learn of Georgia's passing. We were part of the same theatre gang at WSU in the late 60's, and we became close friends during those years. So many thoughts come flooding back: lots of great laughs and fun — Georgia in the Summer Palace playing Miss Prim, and doing a can can number, and playing a wench in Taming of the Shrew, and working in the costume shop, and all of us swapping hilarious stories in the green room... After we graduated, we kept in touch for awhile. I remember she came down to visit us in San Francisco once in the late seventies. The last time we saw her was at Marv and Dorothy Harshman's home in Seattle in the early 90's. I picked up the phone and called her a few years ago when I saw her in the audience when Jean was on Wayne Brady's TV show. Unfortunately, time and distance have let us slip out of touch, but Georgia has often been in our thoughts. We're just so sorry to realize that we can't ever pick up again where we left off. Georgia had a great, great spirit, and we were blessed to have known her. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Morgan Seeley
February 7, 2010
I remember trout fishing at Van's Dam on Vashon, and watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan at our house in Palo Alto. They are things worth remembering.
Marshall Weiss
February 7, 2010
Georgia was a classmate from junior high through college, she was a genuine and enthusiastic person and friend and I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. My thoughts are with her family and friends, She'll be missed by everyone who's lives she touched.
Robert Sawyer
February 7, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. I didn't know.
Bobby Sawyer aka member of the "Wild Bunch"
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