Anita Mae (Farrer) Smith

Anita M. Smith passed peacefully after a very brief illness on Sunday, November 1, 2020. She just celebrated her 89th birthday! She was born on October 22, 1931, as Anita Mae Farrer in Albuquerque, NM. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1949 and then went on to Nursing School at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, KS. She graduated in 1952 and moved back to Albuquerque.  She met the love of her life, Frederick G. Smith, at Methodist Young Adult Fellowship activities at Central Methodist Church, and was married on February 17, 1956. They were married for 46 years before his passing in 2001. She was also proceeded in death by sisters, Ruth Ann Matthews of Kearney, NE; Betty Landon of Sun City, AZ; and brother, James Farrer of Colorado.

Anita, better known as “Smitty” to many coworkers, worked for Presbyterian Hospital Services for 36 years as an operating room and Head Nurse.   She retired in 1988 and enjoyed keeping in touch with retired nursing colleagues and doctors by organizing monthly lunch or breakfast “get togethers.”  Earlier in her career, she was active in the Association of Operating Room Nurses and held several different offices.

Anita was involved in the New-Mexi Gals (the support group for New-Mexi Chords) when Fred was alive.  She enjoyed traveling to regional barbershop chorus competitions in support of the New-Mexi Chords.

After retiring, she made many dear friends and was involved in a number of activities.  In 1991, she joined the Sanado Women’s Club taking part in the Gourmet III and Book Readers groups.  Since 1962, she became a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.  She was active in the Naomi Circle and Needle Arts Group.  In her later years, Anita loved spending time going to lunch with friends.  She considered herself “blessed” by the number of treasured friendships that developed over the years.

Anita and Fred enjoyed their grandchildren, Lobo basketball and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Anita had numerous hobbies which included knitting shawls and baby caps, reading, calligraphy, cross stitch and listening to music.

Anita was a kind, generous, loving and sometimes a bit feisty and always put her family first.  She loved her family deeply and was well loved by them.

She is survived by her son, Brian G. Smith of Lakeway, TX; daughter, Elisa Smith of Albuquerque; grandson, Bryce Baca and wife, Natalie of Pagosa Springs, CO; granddaughters, Arianna Baca of Pagosa Springs, CO and Shelby Baca of Albuquerque; and her sweet dog, Lacey.  Anita is also survived by several nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed keeping in touch.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, in care of the Naomi Circle, 2626 Arizona Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110.

The Service is available via webcam, and the link to the live-stream broadcast will be accessible by clicking here: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/40084