Hildegard Suss Smith
July 8, 1921 – July 25, 2018
“Happiness, Hope and Harmony” - These were the words Hildegard Smith used as life guidelines for 97 full years. Born of German parentage in Canada, and then moving to Chicago, her hopes couples with hard work had happiness as a goal. Husband, Kenneth Smith, provided harmony as, courtesy of Uncle Sam crossed country to California, settling in Palmdale. She and Kenneth obtained realtor’s licenses and were successful in business and the community.
Active in church and the Women’s Club, they raised daughter Susan (White) and son Robert Smith to appreciate all the small desert community offered. Working in Scouting, fraternal groups, and school activities was rewarding to her. She joined the Order of the Eastern Star as a charter member of Star of Palmdale, serving as Worthy Matron in 1959. The Smith’s settled in Orange where she was Guardian for Jobs Daughters and DeMolay Mother’s Club President. After moving to Laguna Beach and then San Clemente, she continued her membership in Star and was Grand Organist in 1971. She was elected to serve California as Worthy Grand Matron in 1978. Many credit her leadership as the guiding light in their fraternal lives.
She was preceded in death by Kenneth in 2005 after they settled in Carlsbad. Living family members include Susan (Alan) White and Robert (Barbara) Smith, Grand daughters Stefanie Smith and Jennifer Fahey (Bryan) and great granddaughter Stella, Sisters in law Jeanne and Bette, many nieces, nephews and cousins who miss and admire her. Services August 3rd, 2:00 pm Oceanside Masonic Center.
