Grace Long Smith-King passed away peacefully at home in Santa
Clara on March 5, 2004.
Grace Long Smith-King passed away peacefully at home in Santa Clara on March 5, 2004.
She was born in San Jose on March 12, 1909, to David and Marie Long. Grace attended San Jose schools and graduated with a teaching credential from San Jose State. She also took advanced classes at San Francisco State and Chico State over the years. After graduating, Grace ventured to Weed, where teachers were in great demand in 1930. There she taught elementary and high school, later teaching junior high classed at College of the Syskyous. In Weed. Grace met her future husband, Otis Smith, who was in the furniture business. Mr. and Mrs. Smith retired to Rossmore in 1965, where she continued an active schedule, teaching jewelry and art classes. After Mr. Smith’s death, Grace moved to Gilroy to be near her aunt and uncle, Gerry and Justin Byers. In 1972, Grace married William King, who later passed away in 1985.
Grace loved gardening, sewing, art and going to the casinos. But her true passion was bridge. Grace would drive to tournaments all over the Bay Area, earning “master points.” She was a member of numerous bridge clubs In Gilroy and hosted many bridge parties at her Princevalle Street home.
Grace also loved to travel, especially by cruise ship. She traveled the world with her aunt and uncle during her marriages, and took many trips to South America and even more to China and Hong Kong. Grace’s collection of Asian Art and furniture was admired by all who entered her home.
Grace was a member of the California Teachers Association, CLAS, and St. Mary’s Church. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority.
Grace was preceded in death by her brother, Oswald “Bud” Long. Grace was a true lady, loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be missed by her niece Joan Gyda, of Maryland, her stepson Charles King, of San Jose, and her stepdaughter Gail Ronald, of Petaluma. She will also be missed by many friends in Gilroy and Santa Clara.
Burial was private. A memorial mass will be held in St. Mary’s Chapel, 11 First St., Gilroy, on Monday at 11 a.m. Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gilroy Assistance League, the Lord’s Table or the Gilroy Foundation.
