Susan Smedley

In the beautiful words of Helen Keller, "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." It is with profound sense of sorrow and loss that we announce the passing of Susan Smedley (Gillingwater), a remarkable woman whose presence enriched all our lives. Born in Ogden, UT, on August 22, 1945, she moved with her family at a very young age to San Lorenzo, California where she grew up, attending San Lorenzo High School (1963) in and later Ricks College in Idaho, majoring in journalism. Professionally, she served as an executive secretary in the legal and construction industry, demonstrating unmatched diligence, competence, and commitment.

Susan made an incredible impact on everyone she encountered throughout her 78 years. She loved her family dearly and was fiercely independent. A woman of grace and resilience, Susan was a rock to her family and friends, a beacon of hope in trying times, and an embodiment of unconditional love. Her legacy lies in the seeds of love, faith, strength, and independence she sowed and nurtured in the hearts of her children. Her dedication to her family and to her religion as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her abiding faith in and love of Jesus Christ were the cornerstones of her life.

Susan was a talented singer with a beautiful alto voice. She sang as often as she could, including with many choirs, including the Salt Lake Symphony Choir, the Salt Lake Millennial Choir, the Oakland California Temple Hill Choir, The Jay Welch Chorale, The Choral Arts Society of Utah, and the Odyssey Chorale. Her voice blessed the lives of so many across the country and Europe. She also enjoyed knitting and sewing.

Susan is survived by her four daughters: Kristina Elaine Stokes (James) Lawrence of Park City, Utah; Chalene Sherrie Stokes of Bluffdale, Utah; Melissa Dawn Stokes (Eric) Bradley of Rosamond, California; and Jennifer Clark of Normandy Park, Washington; as well as 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Susan was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Gillingwater, Jr., her parents Arnold Smedley and Alice Jane Pope, her son Matthew Lewis (Dawn Kipp) Stokes of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and granddaughter, Laura Nicole Lawrence.

As Albert Schweitzer beautifully expressed, "The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind." Susan's love remains with us, embedded in our hearts, mirrored in our actions, and reflected in the lives of those she touched. Please join us in celebrating her life at a service held on Friday, October 13th, 2023 at 11:00 am MDT at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2130 East Sego Lily Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092. Following the service, Susan will be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah, next to her late husband Alfred Gillingwater.

We encourage all who knew Susan to honor her memory by sharing stories, anecdotes, and photos on her memorial page. These shared memories will not only serve as a comforting reminder of Susan's profound impact, but they will also ensure that her spirit continues to shine, inspire, and guide us in the days to come. Flowers and cards can be sent to Jenkins Soffe Funeral Home in South Jordan, Utah.