Obituaries Utako Nakata Smith
Utako N. Smith, 92, of Philadelphia, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard F. Smith, who passed away in 2003.
Born February 9, 1930 in Japan, she was the daughter of the late Usaku and Tami (Ishikawa) Nakata.
Utako married Richard in Japan and bravely left her family and home country to immigrate to the United States where they lovingly raised their three children. Despite language and cultural barriers, she not only created a loving home but volunteered often at school and church, even co-leading a Brownie troop. She was beloved by all for her kind and gentle spirit, always putting others before herself. She unconditionally loved and was loved in return by her children and grandchildren. A lover of flowers, birds, and animals, all living creatures and children were drawn to her nurturing soul. With no formal training, she nursed injured birds back to health and family pets naturally gravitated to her, adoring her gentle loving ways.
Although quiet and soft spoken, she was strong, determined, and dignified. All who met her, whether for a few minutes or a lifetime, loved her for her infectious smile, kindness, and gentle ways. Her life has the effect of butterflies fluttering their wings or a rain drop’s outgoing ripple on the water; her gentle energy continues to spread outward, touching many lives and making the world a better place.
Survivors include three children, Richard F. Smith II (Linda) of Philadelphia, Tami M. Smith of Grapevine, TX, and Patricia A. Schweibenz (Stephen) of Doylestown; four grandchildren, Rich, Sierra, Erika, and Julia; four brothers, Joji, Aryoshi, Motoji, and Izumi; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Minoru.
Celebration of Life Ceremony and interment to be held in June. Date will be announced later by family.
Contributions in Utako’s name can be made to: National Audubon Society https://www.audubon.org/ Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia https://japanphilly.org/welcome/
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Services and Interment will be announced at a later date
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