In Loving Memory of Gloria Smee: 1948 - 2026
Gloria Smee was born on September 8, 1948, in Ogden, Utah, to Nephi Manning and Ruth Mae Manning. She lived a life shaped by creativity, resilience, and a heart that never stopped giving.
She adored her four children—Angela Ferraro, Heidi Smee, Todd Smee, and Holly Smee—whom she lovingly called her sun, her moon, and her stars. Her love expanded effortlessly to her four grandsons, Noah Ferraro, Jackson Ferraro, Walker Saliken, and Yaryk Saliken, each one a light in her sky.
Gloria was a woman of many gifts. Music lived in her hands and her voice—she sang and played piano, guitar (even a 12-string!), banjo, ukulele, and banjo ukulele. Her creativity knew no bounds, flowing through paint, color, and imagination. She was adventurous in spirit, drawn to the beauty of the world, with a deep love for Hawaii, Africa, and Europe – she lived in three different countries over her lifetime and two continents and spoke fondly of her years in Germany. “Gogo” walked through life with determination and depth—nearly earning her black belt in Shotokan karate, and also achieving a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.
But more than any title or accomplishment, Gloria was a helper soul and a true earth angel. Through her work in counseling and social services, she carried a quiet mission: to ease suffering, to listen deeply, and to care for others with compassion. Gloria was a walking embodiment of unconditional love and true kindness, living a life dedicated to selfless service.
Gloria is predeceased by her parents, her sister Carol (Don), her brother Jimmy, and her son-in-law Luke. She is lovingly remembered by her children Angela, Heidi (Daryn), Holly (Dennis), and Todd; her beloved grandchildren; her brother Mike; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and her best friend in “the whole wide world and universe”, Liz Edwards.
She gave from a heart that never measured, loved in a way that never kept score, and left an imprint that cannot be undone.
A funeral service will be held on May 1 at 11 a.m., followed by a light lunch. A burial service will take place at 2 p.m. at Park Memorial Cemetery.
Mama Smee was loved by so many; those who feel called to attend are welcome to come celebrate her spirit and memory. She will be missed in every season, in every song, in every quiet moment where her presence once lived.
She begins a new adventure, returning to infinite love—woven back into the stars she once called her own, back to the great mystery and the loving embrace of her heavenly family. We know there was one hell of a party at her reunion with our loved ones, just in the room next door, beyond the sight of our human eyes.
We will love you forever, mum. Rest in paradise. You earned it xo
Comments