Lorri A. Smith
January 14, 1962 ~ September 5, 2011
Lorriann Smith nee Cardenas
January 14, 1962 '€œ September 5, 2011
Lorriann (Cardenas) Smith died suddenly on September 5, 2011. Lorri was born in Bronx, New York where she lived until her marriage to Julian Z. Smith on September 2, 1984. Lorri graduated from Evander Child High School and held a variety of positions as an independent contractor, in customer service at Wegmans and as the office coordinator at the J.C. Penney salon.
Lorri enjoyed spending time with family and friends and entertaining. Lorri loved to travel including special trips to Cuba, Italy, France, England, Hawaii, Canada, California and the Caribbean. Additionally, Lorri enjoyed collecting, wearing and sharing fine jewelry, shoes and handbags.
Lorri symbolized the most important decision of her life when she was baptized on January 25, 1976 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Lorri's zeal for teaching others bible truth motivated her to expand her share in the bible educational work of Jehovah's Witnesses as she enrolled as a full-time kingdom proclaimer in 1987. Lorri helped many to improve the quality of their lives through the application of bible principles. Lorri's enthusiasm for this work moved both her husband Julian and her son Jared to join her as full-time bible instructors.
Lorri was a loving and supportive wife, caring mother and a true friend. Many have compared Lorri to the bible character Dorcas. Like Dorcas, Lorri 'abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy' and was dearly loved by all.
She is survived by her husband, Julian Z. Smith, son, Jared Z. Smith, mother, Doris Cardenas, sister Mercedes (Ramondo) Wilkinson, nephews Barak Cardenas of Bronxville, NY, Keith (Elizabeth) Cardenas of New Windsor, NY, niece Hilda Cardenas of Newburgh, NY, mother-in-law Annie (Thomas) Smith of Buffalo, NY, brothers-in-law Isaac (Faye) Smith of Brentwood TN, Thomas Gregory (Marlen) Smith of Antioch, CA, Bert (Jacqueline) Smith of Florence, KY; sisters-in-law, Edith (Milton) Jordan, Melissa (Jarvis) Tucker of Buffalo, NY and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. Lorri is predeceased by her father Pedro Cardenas, brother Andre (Hilda) Cardenas, sister, Emy Cardenas, father-in-law Thomas J. Smith and brother-in-law Thomas J. Smith Jr.
Contributions may be made to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483.
Visitations:
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 10. 2011 at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home - 1075 Long Pond Road, Rochester, New York 14626
Services:
Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 272 Farrell Rd Ext, West Henrietta, New York 14580 on Sunday, September 11. 2011 at 7 pm.
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Dear Julian & Jared, needless to say, we were shocked by the news. We are sill trying to absorb it. When I think of Lorri, I remember a woman who loved her Julian, her Jared, her family, the Brotherhood, and especially our God, Jehovah. While in service this week, I spoke especially about the good name she made with Jehovah (Eccl 7:1) and the promise Jehovah made to resurrect her (Job 14:13-15). We grieve with you, Julian & Jared. You are in our prayers.
Dear Julian & Jared,
Words can never fully express our pain for your loss. Lorri leaves an indelible mark in all our hearts. Our family will remember her contagious laugh, her smile, warmth and kind genoristy and hospitality. Her zeal for the minisry is something I personally will hold dearly and strive to imitate. She loved the ministry! She will be sorely missed by all. We Love You so Much!
The Millers,
Dear Smith Family,
You have our deepest condolences for your loss. Lori will be deeply missed. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with your family.
Dear Smith Family,
We are friends of Mercedes and know your dear wife and mother through Mercedes. We are so sorry about your lost but know that Lori is in the saftest place she can be and that is in the memory of our God, Jehovah. The faithful man Job said ‘ You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.’ Jehovah yearns or desires deeply to see His friend Lori again. He has had a relationship with her for many years! And he yearns to ‘wipe the tears’ from your eyes as he promise he will do at Isaiah 25:8.
With much love,
The Ortiz family of Bronxwood Spanish Congregation.
Everyday we can trust in Jehovah. Let our Prayer be heard. Eph. 5:2..Go on Walking in love. 1Cor 13:7 It bears all things believes all things, hopes all things,endures all things. We love and will our sister until the Paradise.
Julian & Jared -Heart felt condolences of your loss. There are no words to ease the
pain you are feeling at this time. We wait
with you, patiently, when HE will call and
Lorri will answer, and continue her eternal
service to OUR GRACIOUS, AND LOVING
GOD JEHOVAH. May JEHOVAH continue to
bless and comfort you during this difficult
time.
Julian & Jared, just look at all the wonderful words that are expressed here about Lori, i think we could actually compose a very large book about this amazing women that Jehovah blessed us with, she has taught us many things on how to be truly gracious, loving, hospitable, kind, looking out for others in every sense of the word. She truly loved her family, those around her but most importantly she truly loved Jehovah.
Julian & Jared,
Our hearts and condolences go out to you. Lorri will truely be sadly missed, for she was loved and well liked by our family. Domi and I feel blessed to have known such a beautiful person.
Love, Ronnie and Domi
Julian & Jared,
The services for Lorri were beautiful; you highlighted her life very well.
Our hearts continue to be heavy as the surreality of the past weeks become our sad reality. I pray that you both continue to seek Jehovah for comfort and understanding during this very, very difficult time.
I pray that as each day passes, your sorrow is replaced with smiles of joy from memories of Lorri.
We will hold Lorri’s memory close to our hearts; she was truly loved and will be missed greatly.
Please know that we are here for you now and always…
William & Lenora Bell
Julian & Jared,
You both are in my prayers. Your wife/mother ‘always’ had a kind word to say to me and a smile that was so inviting. No words can truly take away your pain, but please know that there are many who care and grieve.
Julian & Jared: Words cannot begin to express our feelings of the loss of our dear loved one ,except the words of our loving Heavenly Father at Rev 21:3-5. Yes vey soon all these will be things of the past and our beloved Lorri will awaken to the fulfillment of this promise. What a wonderful time we will have, ‘oh joy of joys’. So until then may the love ,prayers and thoughts of all give you and Jared the comfort and strenght as you get through this time of grief. All our love
Julian + Jared,
No amount of words or cards can take
away the pain you all must feel at this most difficult time, but in this small way we want you to know that we care and more importantly Jehovah does, for he promise’I will change their mourning into exultation, and I will comfort them and make them rejoice away from their grief .. ,for there exists a reward for your activity… and there exists ahope foryour future’… Jer.31:13,16,17
With heartfelt sympathy,
Eura,Ericka+Eunique
Julian and Family,
I am saddened by this news and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathies during these challanging moment.
Kind Regards,
Jeff
Julian and Jared , My deepest of sympathies to you at this time of sorrow. It is hard to say in words how sad and the depth of pain I feel in my heart from the loss of Lorri in our lives. Her love for you both and her love of Jehovah have always inspired me to do better. She served Jehovah with strength and an unshakable faith . It gives me and I hope you a comfort in knowing that she will be in paradise just as Jesus said at John 5:28 ‘Do not marvel at this , because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out’. Lorri believed this promise and we know it will come true. I know that it is difficult to say goodbye , but only until we meet again. Lorri taught me about Jehovah and Jesus and the promises of a life without pain,death and sorrow. She helped me to love and appreciate them, and make them apart of my life. I will forever be grateful to Jehovah for sending Lorri in my life and I know in my heart that she loved me and i love her. I don’t know what i can say to you that will ease the pain you feel except that i love you both and thank you for sharing Lorri with me. Lovingly forever your sister Lona davis
Julian and Jared I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I honestly can’t believe Lorrie is not with us! It seems like only yesterday Andre, Jamel and I were sitiing with both you and Lorrie recounting how you became the love of her life! How I treasure the time I spent with her then, in the ministry. Take courage in Jehovah who knows how we feel. Heartfelt sympathy.
Julian and Jared Im so sorry to hear about your loss, there is not enough words to express the pain your feeling.
We serve a Wonderful God that through his love for us we have a Hope. In just a whisper of time Jehovah will summon Lorianne to awake again. With sincere, sympathy, and love to you and your Family my prayers are with you.
Julian and Jared,
Words cannot express how saddened and devastated we were to hear of Aunt Lorri’s passing. For the last few days I have been remembering how infectious her laugh and smile were and how she truly exemplified the spirit of hospitality. Within the first month of us coming to Genesee Valley Lorri invited me over, worked with me in service, and had a nice lunch date. She always had some words of advice or a funny joke to tell and I could always count on her to be my aunt away from home. She will truly be missed but we look forward to seeing her again. We love you both and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julian and Jared,
Words cannot express how saddened and devastated we were to hear of Aunt Lorri’s passing. For the last few days I have been remembering how infectious her laugh and smile were and how she truly exemplified the spirit of hospitality. Within the first month of us coming to Genesee Valley Lorri invited me over, worked with me in service, and had a
Julian and Jared, I was so saddened to hear about Lorri. Through your life there are people that you come across that affects you forever and Lorri was that person for me. When my mother died that day I was confused and overwhelmed and didn’t know how I would make it through Lorri walked through the door, gave me a hug and I knew I would be ok. Her positive loving spirit inspired me. My heart breaks for you. Her influence on my life years ago has lasted many years. I am grateful to have had those times. She has conquered and we will see her soon. My deepest regrets….Janet
Julian and Jared, My prayers and heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Lorri will be missed but as you await the day when Jehovah will call her from her peaceful sleep, may your memories of her comfort and keep you.
Julian and Jared, the Portland Congregation places you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Julian and Jared, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts return time again to good memories we have of Lorri. With confidence we know Jehovah will remember her life of loving concern for his name, loyalty to family and friends. Our prayers are for you and the family may Jehovah bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come
Julian and Jared, we would like to thank you guys for the many years, days, hours, and minutes that you have invested in our family. Laurie has provided us the emotional supprt we needed when we found ourselves weak. Of course we know Jehovah with fortify you two, but we have a responsibility as well. We are all we have!!!!! Love, Scott Family (Wade, Denise, Monica, and Zachary).
Julian and Jared,
We are so sorry for your loss. Lorri was loved by so many, and we will all miss her. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find much comfort and strength during this time. With sympathy and love, The Schadt Family
Julian and Jared-we cant express how deeply sorry we were to hear about Lorri, we will forever remember her smile and her hugs-hang in there and remember Jehovah will always be your comforter and soon you will be able to welcome Lorri back-much love, Cynthia and Phil
Julian Your family has always been such an encouragement to me. It is truly during these times that Isaiah 41:13 is true
‘I Jehovah your God am grasping your right hand, the one saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid I myself will help you’
As evidence in your family life he will continue to do so. Much love to you and Jared
Julian, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack
Julian, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack
Julian, Jared & family,
My heart ached when I heard of Lori’s passing. She will be sorely missed, her laughter and love for Jehovah was infectious. To all of you, I offer my prayers and love, may Jehovah wrap you in his arms and comfort you.
We love you.
Julian, Jared and Family members,
Lorri will be greatly missed by all of us who were impacted by her infectious zeal for Jehovah. What a wonderful day it will be when Lorri will ‘hear HIS call’ and we welcome her from sleep into a wonderful paradise earth, where Jehovah has promised there will be no more suffering and death (Rev. 21:3, 4. May Jehovah provide you strength and endurance at this time.
Julian, Jared and family,
Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you. May you find continued comfort and strength from your family, friends and in the promises from Jehovah. We yearn to see Lorri once again in paradise. Please accept our love.
Julian, Jared and Family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. A wife is not only a compliment but a life-long companion, a best friend. May Jehovah be your stronghold during the difficult times ahead. We are grateful to our loving God Jehovah that he has provided us with the resurrection hope where we can all join you in welcoming Lorri.
Julian, Jared my heart goes out to you both. Lorri was one of the most loving people I have met. I love you Lorri…
Julian, our hearts,thoughts and prayers are with you and Jared.Though we know words bring little comfort over the loss of Lorri, may the knowledge that Jehovah misses the prescence of his beautiful,kind,loving and obedient servant too and what he is going to do about it bring you some comfort.
Love Charles and Debbie Williams
Julian/Jared and family members sorry for your loss, Lorri was a very warm and kindhearted person and I will truly miss her laugh.
Julien and Jared…. you both are deep in our hearts and prayers. Nate & Robin
Looking forward to seeing you soon in paradise….Love you, Liz
Lori was a beautiful sister inside and out. We are sure that she will be missed by all the members of her home congregation. Now though she is taking a rest, but her rest will be short.we look forward to seeing her in the near future in Jehovah God’s coming kingdom. May that wonderful hope from the bible bring her loved ones comfort in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely, The Gause Family
Lori was a very nice person, I got to know her through my sister, Sharell, Lori always would have kind words and words of wisdom for me. I last saw Lori with her husband at the Fairport Cong. where Br. Smith gave a wonderful talk. My sincerest sympathies for your family.
Lori, I will miss you vey much, sorry that you died.
Lorri Smith touched many lives. Her vivacious personality, infectious smile and zeal for the truth could light up a room. Lorri did not limit her affections to her peers. Her love was all embracing as she became a mother, friend and confidant to many. We will miss her much until we see her again.
Lorri was a dear lovely friend to Johnny and I. She was very giving, fun and delightful to talk to. We will miss Lorri and hope to see her in the resurrection. May Jehovah bless Julian, Jared and the family and we will continue to include them in our prayers.
Lorri was AMAZING! We went to our ‘keep-sake box’ and found cards written by her to us. She wrote heart-felt expressions to us when special things happened in our lives. Her expressions in writing are very precious and touches us in ways words cannot express. She was a true PIONEER who loved people and loved Jehovah with all her heart. SHE CARED. When we see her again we will say ‘THANK YOU’ for your endurance of faith. We missed you! 🙂 Much love and our heartfelt condolences to Julian, Jared and the family. Larry, Jr. and Tina Carter
Lorri was the most beautiful, sincere, kind, loving, giving individual anyone will ever know. The love that she showed to others is contagious so as her daughter, friend and bfl (boo for life) I will live everyday by what she taught me, to love hard, kill with kindness and to continue to serve our Great Creator Jehovah.
Lorri will indeed be missed, but never forgotten. Our family express sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
May Jehovah continue to bless you and keep you safe. (Number 6:24).
Sincerely,
Charlie & Teresa King
Lorri your truly going to be missed . A person can tell that you service the Happy God-(1 Tim.1:11). I hope to see you again my sister at a time when Jehovah’s faith ones can smile with you.
Lorriann will always stay in the hearts of all who knew her. My deepest and heart felt condolences. May Jehovah give you strength and endurance during this most difficult time.
Linda
Lorrie was the sister I never had. On many occasions her genuine interest and love were alway on display.
I vividly remember when she and her husband visited me as I was going through a rough patch in my life. They came right after the Tuesday meeting. Her warm words not only comforted me but also revealed her true motivation: genuine love and concern.
Lorrie not only understood 1 Corinthians 13:4 but lived it. I look forward to the day when I can tell her the positive impact she has had upon my life in Jehovah’s service.
To Julian and Jared, I’m here for you both.
Lorrie was the sister I never had. On many occasions her genuine interest and love were always on display.
I vividly remember when she and her husband visited me as I was going through a rough patch in my life. They came right after the Tuesday meeting. Her warm words not only comforted me but also revealed her true motivation: genuine love and concern.
Lorrie not only understood 1 Corinthians 13:–but lived it. I look forward to the day when I can tell her the positive impact she has had upon my life in Jehovah’s service.
To Julian and Jared, I’m here for both of you.
Lorrie was the sister I never had. On many occasions her genuine interest and love were always on display.
I vividly remember when she and her husband visited me as I was going through a rough patch in my life. They came right after the Tuesday meeting. Her warm words not only comforted me but also revealed her true motivation: genuine love and concern.
Lorrie not only understood 1 Corinthians 13:–but lived it. I look forward to the day when I can tell her the positive impact she has had upon my life in Jehovah’s service.
To Julian and Jared, I’m here for both of you.
May your faith in Jehovah’s promises of no more death, pain and sorrow give you the strenght to carry on. Thai is what Lorri would want. We love you all and are keeping you in our prayers at this difficult time.
My condolence goes out to the family .
My deepest condolences go out to the family. What a loss of a beautiful sister. May Jehovah keep you comforted at this time. May all of your loved ones and spiritual family remember Lorri for the sweet person she was. It was truly a pleasure getting to know her and i’m saddened that it was so short.
My family and I are looking forward to telling Lori all the things we did in her absense to carry on the vindication of Jehovah’s name. I picture myself sitting with a crowd of her friends and family welcoming her back and competing for a chance to talk to her. Right now our friend and sister is resting, she’ll need it, she has a lot of work of preaching and teaching to in Jehovah’s new system when millions of other like her are welcomed back.
She is going to love it!!!!
my prayer for the loss of you loving wife and mother i’m going to miss her
i prayer all of stay strong so we see her in the future. mayJehovah be with always
Love francina and jamil
One of the things I most appreciated about Lorri the warm and sincere hugs she gave me before and after my bible study, she didnt know this, but I felt like her hugs gave me strength in my endevour to one day become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, with Lorri’s passing I am even more determined to dedicate myself to Jehovah not only because Jehovah is the only ONE that deserves our worship, but because through Jehovah’s mercy we will one day be able to greet our love ones that have passed away. My children and I are deeply saddened by Lorri’s passing and will continue to pray that the Smith family continue to stay strong and lean on Jehovah.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to The Smith Family. Please remember Song number 111’He Will Call’- Job. 14:13-15. We will see Lori soon!
Our Prayers and Love is with all of you at this time.
Lori will be missed dearly and we are looking forward in joining you welcoming her back in the resurrection. John 5:28, 29 reminds us of this promise.
Love Pat and Sis Brown
Sister Smith will be missed and was a joy to work with in the ministry and always had a great smile and kind words to say about everyone. Always there to lend a helping hand. Look forward to seeing her during the resurrection, when her friedship will be enjoyed forever.
Bill, Darlene, Erin Beckley
Smith Family: I am so very saddened by the untimely loss that you are enduring. My fondest memories of Sister Smith will be her smile and on the day I was baptized when she came up to me with the contagious smile and said ‘I am so excited, you’re going to see your daughter in the resurrection.’ I also look forward to seeing this her as well. May Jehovah comfort and guide you all through this very sad time…….Sister Cheryl Thompson
So very sorry for your loss, Julian & Jared. Lorri was a very special person who will forever be in our hearts. May Jehovah bless you and keep you.
Forrest & Yvonne
The greatest accomplishment any man or woman could ever achieve is getting to know our creator Jehovah and living a life of dedication to serving him. (Romans 14:7,8)
That being said, Lorri achieved such greatness and her example touched many lives even beyond her family and friends. It is our hope and desire to live our lives with such loving impact as she did and to be reunited with her once again in the ‘real life’ that is soon to come.
Love, Antonio & Alexandra Cruz.
To Julian and family, was can’t express the pain we feel in our heart for the loss of our dear sister.Lorrie was a wonderful,beautiful and spiritual sister.Remember in the days, hours and minutes to come all the wonderful promises that our loving God Jehovah holds out for our dead love ones, may they be a comfort to you now and into the new world! Love always from the Scott family/Melynda,Jada, Candice, and Javona.
To Julian and Jared, Lorri was one of a kind. She always had positive and encouraging words to express. And she gave me words of comfort about mom. She will be missed. Lorri will always be in our heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Jehovah keep you. Love The Patterson/Shaw Family.
To the Smith Family. I am still in shock as I know you must be. Lorri had a wonderful spirit and way about her that was memorable and brought comfort to all she encountered. You have truly been blessed to have had her as a wife, mother and relative. Hold onto your memories and remember that ‘He’ makes no mistakes. Time will help to ease the pain and she will forever be in your hearts to guide your steps. I will continue to pray for you.
To the Smith Family: Although I didn’t personally know Sister Smith her reputation precedes her. My brother, Wade is in the same congregation and she is truly loved and respected for her loyalty to Jehovah and the congregation. Please accept my sincerest condolences on the death of your dear loved one. Jehovah is loyal to those loyal to him and he will not forget your most beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, and Daughter. Much Christian Love, Cynthia Scott
We are shocked at the loss of Lorri, who we have known for about 20 years. A kind and caring person, we considered Lorri a part of the family. Our greatest memories are of Lorri with our daughter Olivia. After Olivia was born Lorri would come to the house once a week and always played and delighted Olivia. For me personally, Lorri lived with me through many of my life’s moments – some bad, some good, but she was always there with great introspection and comforting words. It is surely tragic that Lorri has passed so soon in her life. She will certainly be missed by many. Julian and Jared – please know that we are thinking of you with great sympathy and sadness. Love – Kathy & Tom (and Olivia, now 7)
With deep sorrow and condolence. Brother&Sister carter
WORD CAN NOT EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES OF THE LOST OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER . LORRI WAS SO LOVING AND A PERSON WITH SO SUCH COMPASSION FOR THE MINISTRY AND HER LOVE FOR HER CHRISTIAN FAMILY .
MY LOVE AND THOUHTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL
WORD CAN NOT EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES OF THE LOST OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER . LORRI WAS SO LOVING AND A PERSON WITH SO SUCH COMPASSION FOR THE MINISTRY AND HER LOVE FOR HER CHRISTIAN FAMILY .
MY LOVE AND THOUHTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL
Words can’t express my hurt n loss of a true friend, I’m glad I had the oppurtnity to be a best friend to her. I know we fell apart but we loved each other so much we became sister again. Glad to have the blessing of her loving my son. She never judged me for my mistakes n that to me is a true friend. I will miss her dearly. This is never good bye but see u soo. May Jehovah be with ur family.love. u all really.
You will always be my little sister, I will never forget you, see you in Paradise.
Love,
Merce