Kay Smith

Katherine was born to the late Robert and Antonia Mataya Culjak on November 14, 1926 in Pittsburg, Illinois. Kay graduated from Harrison High School of Chicago in 1944 and began her college studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign. The following year, she continued her education at the new branch of the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, Chicago, where she met her true love, Obie Smith. They were married in June 1949. As an air force wife, she travelled the globe with Obie and her family until 1973 when they finally settled in the River City -- Austin. She continued to call Austin “home” for many years.

Kay served in her professional life as a medical bookkeeper for dermatologists. She was an avid bridge player and pursued her hobbies of travel and bowling. As a staunch Democrat, proud to come from the party of Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy and Bill Clinton, Kay was completely engaged in politics and loved the opportunity to discuss the political affairs of our country and those around the world. In this way, she was an inspiration to many. She was a voracious reader and would spend hours reading various newspapers and other print media. Always informed and up on current events, Kay kept the television in her home on the news channel. As long time members of the Austin Yacht Club, Kay and Obie relentlessly enjoyed the beautiful Austin weather and surrounding lakes.

Kay is survived by her dearly loved children: Obie Thomas Smith, wife Eileen and son Gaelen of Coral Gables, Florida; Jeffrey Malcolm Smith, wife Kelly, daughter Meagan and son Harrison of Round Rock, Texas; Jody Christopher Smith, son Christopher, daughter Camille and son Wade of Arlington, Texas and beloved sister Marie McGuckin of Chicago, Illinois. The family takes comfort in knowing that Kay was welcomed into heaven and reunited with her husband Lt Col Obie A. Smith, her daughter Jocelyn Deborah Smith, her parents, brother Charles Culjak and sisters Frances Culjak, Ann Culjak and Helen LeBlanc, who all predeceased her.

The family would like to acknowledge and graciously thank the staff at Hearthstone Health Center in Round Rock and Odyssey Hospice for their kind and compassionate service to Kay during her time with them.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home to remember and celebrate her life. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, September 13 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5455 Bee Cave Road in Westlake Hills. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice.