Jennifer Sarah Smith

Jennifer Sarah Smith was born in Glendale, CA to Colleen and Stephen Smith. Sadly, she passed away on March 22, 2025, and her loss has left us adrift in a sea of mourning. Jennifer was a captivating beauty with the most generous heart you could imagine. It will be impossible to forget her. Jennifer is survived by her loving parents, mother Colleen and father Stephen; her sister Jessica, and brother Jeremiah, herpartner Justin Michael Hardin, and many cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends. Jennifer spent her childhood in Taft, CA. She attended Taft Union High School and was proud to be a "Wildcat." Upon her moving to the Bay Area she graduated from Northgate HS.  Subsequently, Jennifer obtained her teaching credential at Cal State University Channel Islands. She found great joy as a 4th grade teacher at Junipero Serra Elementary School in the Ventura School District. She was acclaimed by parents and education administrators; other teachers were sent to her classroom to observe her teaching style. Jennifer said: "Teachers touch the future one student at a time."  If not a teacher she wanted to be a U.S. Marshall. She had the grace of a princess in sandals, the patience of a saint, and an awesome sense of humor that could sneak up on you and catch you at just the right moment. Jennifer's generous spirit knew no bounds. She loved her friends and family with her whole heart. She was a bit of an enigma - always private about her challenges, but always - always ready to help others. She was a quiet and fierce warrior in all aspects of her life. She saw the magic inside each person she knew and shared her own. It was easy to be charmed by her philosophy of “simple bliss.” She felt timeless, wise beyond her years, patient but stubborn, and unbound by limits. Though raised in a LA Dodger household she stubbornly followed the NY Yankees. She loved surfing and the beauty and restless energy of the ocean. She nurtured her plants with tenderness and diligence. She found peace while working in her garden. She was a wonderful hostess who prepared meals that were sweet, savory and sometimes spicy, and she loved sharing with others. Her true soulmate was her cat Santino. They took care of each other through thick and thin. Jennifer transformed every home into an oasis, a haven, a playful spiritual place where all creatures were welcome. She was an avid photographer who captured simple moments of the world around her. Her photos were like poetry with thousands of striking and unique images tagged with her personal motto: Simple Bliss. Jennifer lived a life of Simple Bliss. Look for Jennifer now, in the heavens, in ladybugs, butterflies, sunsets and the stars. You will find her in moments of Simple Bliss: in your heart, in nature, in sunsets and rainbows, and in ocean waves. You can pass on her love with every encouraging smile you give to others. Jennifer remains in our hearts and will be shining there forever. Jennifer’s love and compassion for others always lifted them up, so we know her spirit has likewise been lifted up to Heaven.  Jennifer is now the angel of our family. We will always miss her, but she is still with us.

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