Evelyn Gunhild Erickson Smith

Evelyn Gunhild Erickson Smith, of Westminster and Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Friday, August 17, 2012 at the Englewood Meridian Retirement Community. She was 91 years old. Born in Chicago, Illinois on June 23, 1921, to Erick Emanuel Ernfred Erickson and Gunhild Anna Charlotte Malm Erickson, Evelyn was an only child whose parents owned and operated a local garage and filling station in the Swedish section of Chicago. Her mother, an ardently independent woman, encouraged her daughter to excel both academically and athletically - her husband, Detroit-born Dr. Herbert J. Smith, always said that he fell in love with her because she could catch a fly ball on the run. In addition, Evelyn was a dedicated Girl Scout and is among the few women ever to achieve Eagle Scout status. A fine student, Evelyn graduated from Chicago's George Williams College. She paid her own way through school by working for 'Ma Bell' while paying room and board at home because her parents, both immigrants themselves, believed that the most important thing for anyone was to be self-supporting. When she graduated, they presented her with a check in the full amount of the rent they had required. They also paid for Evelyn's elegant 1944 wedding to Dr. Smith. The Smiths, in love with each other and the Rocky Mountains moved to Denver after Herbert had finished his residency. In Denver, Evelyn was active in improving public education and served on the Westminster School Board for many years. She was elected its president in time to present high school diplomas to each of her three children: Christine, Claudia, and Eric. She earned a master's degree in physical education from Denver University, where she taught health and P.E. Later, while completing the coursework for a Ph.D., Evelyn designed and supervised the Colorado Springs public schools' first comprehensive k-12 health program. In Colorado Springs, she was also an active member of The Women's League and spent her free time traveling all over the world with her friends. Evelyn is survived by her three children, Christine (Peter) Schorr, Claudia E. (Steven) Earley, and Eric H. (Pam) Smith; and five grandchildren, Brian Earley, Todd (Allison) Earley, Lisa Earley, Ian (Nisha) Smith, and Conan Smith. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (one block West of South Holly Street) in Centennial, Colorado 80122. A Reception will immediately follow. By request, the Interment will be private for the family only. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Colorado Talking Book Library, 180 Sheridan Boulevard, in Denver, Colorado 80226, www.myctbl.org, or at 303.727.9277. Please share your memories of Evelyn and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook.