Maria Gloria Smith

Maria Gloria Smith passed away in Bellingham on January 1, 2023 at the age of 81.
Maria was preceded by her husband, Donald L. Smith, and her parents, Luis Obando and Julia Nasner. She is survived by her 4 children, Norma Yandun, Stephanie (Nicolas) Haldemann, Daron (Margi) Smith, and Terrence Smith; her 9 grandchildren, Daniel (Christelle) and David Yandun, Breanna Anaka, Tia and Kira Smith, Brady M. Brady, and Jayden, Karmen, and Cyrus Smith; and her 4 great-grandchildren, Emma, Samuel, Emily, and Eden Yandun Ndome. She is also survived by her siblings in Ecuador, Teresa, Cecilia, Carmela, José, Manuel, and Jorge Obando Nasner and their families.
Maria was greatly loved by her family and friends. She was born in Tulcán, Ecuador on October 8, 1941, the oldest of 7 siblings. She immigrated to the United States in 1964, initially living in Washington, DC, where she met and later married her husband, Donald. After living in Washington, DC and Aberdeen, WA, Maria and family moved to Bellingham. She graduated from Western Washington University with a Human Services degree. Maria stayed connected to her family and friends in Ecuador and around the world. Maria was full of adventure and love, always eager to share stories from her life, her culture, and her travels. She cherished the beauty of nature and appreciated even the smallest of lives, as many of us saw through her loving care of her animal friends. Memories of how Maria expressed love and joy live within those who were lucky enough to know her. She truly touched everyone she knew and will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 6 at 10:30am at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham. Guests are encouraged to wear bright clothing to honor and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animals as Natural Therapy or Pet Partners.