Shirley Smith

Apr 9, 1946 -

Mar 25, 2026

Longtime Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska, resident Shirley Smith, 79, passed away peacefully at Alaska Native Medical Center on March 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage.

Shirley was born April 9, 1946, in Ashtabula, Ohio, and grew up in Ohio and Traverse City, Mich. She moved to Eagle River in 1972, and later settled in Anchorage, which she proudly called home. She graduated from St. Francis Catholic High School in Traverse City in 1964. Shirley enjoyed a fulfilling career in customer service and hospitality, including work at Jones Tool Rental & Hardware and later serving more than a decade as Rooms Division Manager/Executive Housekeeper at Inlet Tower Suites and Holiday Inn Express. She was respected for her leadership, high standards and dedication.

A devoted mother, Shirley loved traveling—especially to Kauai, Hawaii—camping, gardening, coffee with friends, reading and playing Words with Friends. She had a cheerful spirit, a love for sea turtles and pink flamingos, and a gift for making lifelong friends.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lynn Wiggins (Dan), Laurie Abold (Mike) and Lisa Winzenburg (Clint); nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Leslie Smith; her parents; and several siblings.

Per Shirley's wishes, a portion of her remains will be scattered in a private family ceremony. Floral donations may be delivered to the chapel after 10 a.m. on the day of the service.