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Kimiko Donnelly Obituary
December 2, 1979 - August 20, 2023
Kimiko Mililani Smith Donnelly passed away unexpectedly Sunday August 20, 2023. "Lani" as she was affectionately known was born in San Francisco, the eldest child of Dr. William and Ianthia Smith. She was a mix of cultures, Tongan, Japanese and Black. Her first name means "happy beautiful child" in Japanese, while the middle name means "gift from heaven" in Hawaiian. The description fit. She attended The Hamlin School followed by St. Ignatius High School. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Lani followed in her father's footsteps by attending the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. She then joined him at the Cow Hollow Dental Center. In 2008, "Dr. Lani" married Michael Donnelly, and together they had two beautiful children, Oscar (8) and Uma (6). She was known as someone who cared, and cared deeply for family, friends, patients and her greater community. Lani was honest and loyal and lovely and we will miss her forever. Lani was predeceased by her grandparents Cecil and Lorna Smith, and Dave T. Hall, Jr. Grandmother Kimiko Hall survives her as do her parents, husband Mike, children Oscar and Uma, sister Sunserae, brothers Matthew (Angela) and Kiyoshi (Kayla). She was a niece to Gailey, Gus, Grace, Dennis, LaVon, Tingy, Brandon and Jackie; Aunt to Michael and beloved cousin of Olivia, Justin, Nathan, Errol, Lorna, Natalie, LaVon "Rudi", Jared, Lindsay, Josh, Bradley, and Sheri, just to name a few.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Lani will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Temple United Methodist Church, 65 Beverly Street in San Francisco. Followed by her interment at Olivet Gardens of Cypress Lawn Cemetery, 1601 Hillside Blvd. in Colma, with a reception to follow at the Elks Lodge, 920 Stonegate Dr. in South San Francisco.
If you'd like, please remember Lani with a gift to your favorite charity, in her honor or hug those you love and hold them closer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kimiko Donnelly
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Erin Farley
September 12, 2024
I just learned of Lani´s passing today when I called to make an appointment. I am so sorry to hear of her that. I worked for Bill for several years when he opened his first office in 1979. We all went to the Giants opening day where they told us Ianthia was pregnant with Lani. I kept track of her over the years through Bill and was so happy that she was following in his footsteps. I became her patient along with Bill´s when she joined the practice. She was always so kind, gentle and caring. I am so sorry for family, office mates and friends. She was a bright light in a sometimes not so bright world.
Lani Wilson
August 18, 2024
I remember a sweet big sister to little Sunni when they were very little. Sometimes, the girth and depth of a person´s spirit rises from their ashes. Two new lives within ten months is not a coincidence. Hele me ke Akua, Mililani.
Ryan McLaughlin
March 27, 2024
I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Donnelly´s passing. She was such a lovely person and passionate dentist. The dental community has lost a valuable member, and I will miss her expertise and kindness. My thoughts are with you and your family and your Cow Hollow Dental family. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Anita Anderson
January 4, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Smith's for decades and was delighted to meet his daughter Dr. Donnelly when she joined the practice. My son Henry became her patient and I would now and then have her as my dentist as well. She was such a lovely person and a consummate professional. She was passionate about her work and her beautiful smile was a joy to see. I just found out today that she had passed away and I am heartbroken for the family. My sincerest of condolences to Dr. Smith who was such a proud father and grandfather. My heart goes out to you and all your family.
Valerie O'Riordan
November 16, 2023
I just learned about Lani's passing and am sending my sincere condolences. I loved her as my dentist and grew close in the recent years. Sending love and strength to her kids and family. Valerie O'Riordan
Barbara Rose Brooker
September 27, 2023
I have added many messages since Kimiko passed. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her, see her beautiful face, warm eyes, and smile. I loved her truly. As everyone did. Plus, she was the best dentist ever. She continues to inspire me and I feel she is at blissful peace.
Barbara Rose Brooker
Clarice Corell
September 26, 2023
I just heard about Dr. Donnelly's passing and my heart goes out to her family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sad but also so thankful I had the pleasure of knowing Lani for so many years. I will miss her laugh and her smile. I'll also miss trying to discuss politics with her while getting my teeth cleaned. Even though we only saw each other twice a year, I felt like she was a friend. She will be missed.
Claire Pearson
September 15, 2023
I was a long time patient of Dr. Donnelly´s and heard of her passing when I went in for my appointment today. She was always so kind and caring, my heart goes out to her family and everyone who loves her.
Josephine Campbell
September 13, 2023
I was very delighted to sell my beautiful Haight Street building to Mr & Dr Donnelly 6 years ago for their family. My parents bought that Victorian in 1958.
Josephine
Sherry Allen
September 9, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith and family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I'm sending prayers to you and your family.May she rest in peace.
Barbara Rose Brooker
September 7, 2023
Dr. Bill Smith, & family,
I am trying to plant a tree in honor of Lani, but first again, want to tell you of my sorrow, and infinite admiration and love for Kimiko. I can't imagine your sorrow but I want to tell you, that even though I hadn't seen Kimiko in a while, ever since I met her, then, now, and forever, she remains as one of the great women I have ever known. Brilliant, beautiful, kind, and compassionate. So full of life and love. So I'm positive that she continues with great joy and peace and is with you, and all of us who love her.
Please accept my love and blessings. I am going to plant a tree in her honor and continue to give her blessings.
BarbaraRosebrooker
Jennifer Palmer
September 7, 2023
There are people who make your life so much richer even if you only see them a couple hours a year; Dr. Lani was one of them. As a long time patient I watched her grow up and she watched my daughter grow up. She was a kind, smart, beautiful person, and we are going to miss her terribly. Our hearts go out to the Donnelly and Smith families facing this devastating loss.
Theresa and Hilary Marks
August 31, 2023
Hilary and I just got the news and we are absolutely heartbroken. We can´t even express in words how sorry we are that all of you family members-Dr. & Mrs. Smith, her brother and sisters, her husband and their wonderful, beautiful children-must endure this enormous loss. I will never forget the sound of her beautiful voice and I can´t believe I will never hear it again. I really looked forward to my appointments with her over the years because it felt more like an opportunity to connect with a good friend than to get my teeth checked. She was so interesting and interested in my life and my family´s lives and what was going on in the world. And she was always so kind and patient and competent and articulate. The world has lost a truly bright and beautiful light and we will miss her so much. Know that I will be chanting and Hilary will be praying for all of you during these difficult times.
Love, Theresa and Hilary Marks
Stuart Hata
August 29, 2023
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the families. Dr. Donnelly was the consummate professional and a kind, funny and down-to-earth soul. She will be greatly missed.
Don Sharp
August 29, 2023
I feel like part of Lonnie´s family! Knowing Bill and Ianthia for over 50 years . I worked with Ianthia at Krontv.
I remember Ianthia when she was pregnant at work with Lonnie..I´m so sorry.
Joan Alioto Del Monte
August 28, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I was devastated to hear of Lani´s passing. I remember her as a very sweet and conscientious dentist. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Simona f Stewart
August 28, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate her life that she lived. Wishing you comfort at this time!! She was the nicest, most humble person <2 she will greatly be missed!
Maria Le Plat Johnson
August 28, 2023
Dr Smith & Dr Smith Donnelly were and one of the kindest medical duos you could meet. RIP Kimoko never forgotten
kelly
August 28, 2023
Her smile and laughter were always the first thing I'd see and hear when I came to the office. Her kindness, caring and love will be missed.
Tonya Mattox
August 28, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that I have learned of Lani's sudden passing. As a patient of Cow Hollow Dental for over 30 years, I have known Lani since she was a young girl. Throughout the years she has become a friend and a part of our family. She was truly the most caring, kind, and wonderful person. Sending our thoughts and prayers to her family, and staff.
K.C, Tonya, Shane and Savannah Mattox
Lia Economopoulos
August 27, 2023
We will sorely miss one of the purest, kindest and sincerest souls. Thank you for being our friend and dentist. I remember your graduation from school and you never changed. Simply the best. Our hearts our heavy, and hurt as you were taken away from us too soon.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Donnelly and Smith family.
A recurring donation has been made in your name to a local SF charity to help those that can't help themselves .
With love, Sophia, Sophia Jr., Neil and Lia
Frances Darabian
August 27, 2023
We are so terribly sad about Dr. Donnelly's passing. She was a wonderful dentist and a gentle and caring person. May she rest in peace. Our hearts go out to her family. From Alex and Frances Darabian
Lisa Zamarin
August 27, 2023
I am stunned and shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Kimiko. I was a patient of hers for many years and will miss our talks, her big heart, laugh, humor, and grace. My heart goes out to her family, circle of friends and acquaintances, and the staff at Cow Hollow Dental who were graced by such a wonderful and warm presence. It was a gift to know her. She will be greatly missed.
Virginia Shamy and Richard Piech
August 26, 2023
Dr. Lani was a special person with a big heart and loving nature. She always made me enjoy my visits and look forward to seeing her again. She has left us way to soon. Our deepest condolences to all of her family.
Faye Hansen
August 26, 2023
With shock, confusion, and sadness tears fell for Lani, her husband, her children, her father, her mother, her siblings, her patients and her coworkers.
She has left us with a space to fill with kindness and caring for that was what she gave us. She will be greatly missed. I will not forget her.
Linda Dannemiller
August 26, 2023
I was so sorry to hear this news. I truly loved being Lani´s patient for 10 years. I had just seen her last week and always thought she was such a lovely person with her patients. A beautiful soul gone too soon. Sending my deepest condolences to her family and the staff at Cow Hollow Dental.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Pat Moore
August 25, 2023
Union Street will feel her loss. My deepest condolences to you all. Pat and Rudy Moore
Trudy whitney
August 25, 2023
I am so sad to hear this news. My condolences to all of you. What a lovely beautiful soul gone too soon. Sending love and healing wishes.
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