Lori Knudsen Smith, 54, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away on May 21, 2021 at Tacoma General
Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Ron Smith will miss his sweet wife of 26 years but he knows
she is now at peace in Heaven with Jesus, her recently departed mother and other family members. 
She was born in Smithtown, New York and grew up in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, California. She
studied Liberal Arts at Orange Coast College. She spent her career working with medical records and
as a caretaker. She and Ron lived in Newport Beach, Lake Forest, California, and Boise, Idaho,
before settling in Tacoma.  They have a son, Garrett Smith, 24. 
Lori was a lover of nature: animals (particularly cats), exotic birds, and flowers. She was also a fan
of colorful Victorian architecture and appreciated many beautiful things. She was a very caring
person and is remembered for her sunny disposition – always upbeat, smiling and happy - and her
sense of humor.
Lori is survived by her husband, Ron Smith, her father, Ernest Knudsen of Stuart, Florida, her sister,
Karen Walsh of Jupiter, Florida, her brother, Steven Knudsen, her son, Garrett Smith of Tacoma,
Washington, and her precious cat, Charlie.  She is predeceased by her mother, Greta Knudsen, of
Stuart, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to Samaritan’s Purse
– www.samaritanspurse.com.