Elaine T. Smith, our beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, and friend, passed away in her home in Newport Beach on February 12, 2024. She was exactly 72½ years old.
Elaine, our Greek goddess, was born on August 12, 1951, in Ogden, Utah. She was the third of five children born to Koula and Gus Toulatos. Her parents were both born in Greece, and she was so proud of her Greek heritage. Elaine grew up in Ogden and attended Ogden High School, where she was a Tigerette – something she shared proudly and frequently with her family, often performing routines and singing fight songs. After high school, Elaine attended Weber State where she founded the RGA (Rowdy Girls Association), a made-up organization in which she proudly served for the rest of her life!
Elaine met the love of her life, her husband Fred, while working together at Smith’s Food and Drug on Harrison Boulevard in Ogden. Elaine and Fred married at the Ogden Country Club on January 30, 1976. Elaine gained two sons, Freddy and Zack, from Fred’s previous marriage. They moved to Salt Lake where their first daughter, Staci Elaine, was born. They relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their second daughter, Christi T, was born. Tragically, Christi was born without one of her heart valves and passed away in 1981 when she was just 3 years old after a courageous fight. Elaine and Fred moved their family to the Palm Springs area in 1986, where they raised Staci. The Smiths later lived in Las Vegas, Rancho Santa Fe, and eventually Newport Beach.
Elaine deeply loved Fred, her devoted husband of 48 years. Their love was a true love story. They went through so much together, and they always stood by one another through good times and bad. Fred was her biggest cheerleader, and his unconditional love pushed her through the darkest of times. Together they enjoyed traveling, golfing, eating butter cake at Mastro’s, watching Fox News, laughing, spending time with family, and just being together.
Elaine’s greatest joy was being a mother, and later a grandmother, and there was simply no one who did it better. She may have been small in stature, but she had a huge heart full of love. She was the most thoughtful, selfless, and caring person. She kept us laughing with her endless stories, Nammie News, and on our toes with her constant questions. She treasured being with her family. Some of her favorite times were spent shopping and laughing and traveling with Fred’s mom and her best friend, Ida. Elaine also loved her 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom she spoiled any chance she got.
When she wasn’t with her family, Elaine loved to golf and laugh with her friends. She was a real competitor who won many significant titles over the years, including the Cactus Flower and Tiger Tees. She also loved the slot machines and could be seen running up and down the rows of machines pulling the one-armed bandits always thinking she was going to hit megabucks.
Elaine lit up every room she walked into and filled it with love and energy. To know her was to love her. Once you met her, she was a part of your heart forever! She was funny, smart, and beautiful. She was also the toughest person we ever met, which she proved every day before and after her significant stroke in 2012. Every day she fought courageously for her health and will serve as an inspiration to us all now and forever. Elaine is our hero! We will miss her smile and light every day. We will also miss her singing happy birthday to us in Greek every year. She is reunited with her daughter and finally pain free, which gives us tremendous peace.
Elaine is survived by her husband Fred, her daughter Staci (Ben), her sons Fred (Mynda) and Zack (Sarah), her grandchildren Hayley, Zarya, Lexy, Savanna, Christi Elaine, Kenzy, Taylor, Lorenzo, Brian, and Eleanor, her great-granddaughter, Zayda, her sister Vangie, and her brothers Marino (Karen), Nick (Jan) and Deno (Peggy). She is preceded in death by her daughter, Christi.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 20, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 21, at 10:00 AM at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 674 42nd Street, South Ogden, UT. Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT. A celebration of Elaine's life will take place on Wednesday at 1:00 PM at the Grand America Hotel, 555 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT.
The service will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above. Funeral arrangements provided by Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
My condolences to your family during this time. I pray for peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Sending love to the family. It’s never easy to lose a parent, and a beloved friend to many.
We are so sorry for Rlsines passing. We always enjoyed being with her and Fred. Lots of laughs on the golf course. She was a truly special person. Love
Rich and Marty
my prayers go out to all of the family members. She was a very special woman and will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all. Love, Donna Abel
We’ve been blessed having Elaine in our
Lives…she was a very special person,
always smiling and generous with her time.
Every one that knew her, is so fortunate..
Sleep well Beautiful Elaine. 🙏🙏
Fred and Family we are saddened by Elaine’s passing. Our sincere condolences and prayers in your behalf. She was a great person, mother and wife.
My sincere condolences. May God ease your pain and fill your heart with the wonderful memories that you shared. Celebrate her life and continue your passion for life as you know she wouldn't want you to be any other way. She is your angel now, free of pain and in peace, and is watching over you.
My thoughts are with Fred and the entire family as you deal with the loss of this wonderful woman.
Scott
Our condolences to an amazing women…always remember my time with Elaine playing golf, lunches, just hanging with her. She will be missed! She went through some terrible health problems for the last few years now she is at peace. God bless her!
Fred… My deepest sympathy to you and all of Elaine’s extended family on her passing. I remember fondly our deep, meaningful conversations while living in SLC. She was a special lovely lady with a beautiful soul. May you find comfort in knowing that she is now pain free and at peace. 💕
Our deepest condolences to the entire Smith family.. Elaine was a mighty warrior and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. We were all so saddened to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace. We wish you all a long life and hold your sadness close to our hearts.
Fred, I am so so sorry! Elaine was the most amazing woman when she would come into our restaurant. Her smile would light up a room like nobody else’s. I love you pal
How I loved Elaine. So many memories we shared. The heartache of Christie - her little angel- and the joy of watching Staci and Jenny play tennis and their special friendship grow.
Fred and Staci my heart is full as I think of your beautiful family and the closeness you all shared. Even though the years and life often make it difficult to stay in touch with friends we love I will always feel a special bond with Elaine. I know I could pick up the phone and we could share the things that matter most and laugh and joke as we always did.
The only consolation I have is thinking of the sweet reunion she must be having with Christie after all these years. Love to you and may you find peace and comfort. Love Liz
We are so sorry and shocked to hear about the passing of Elaine.
Matt knew Elaine for just a short time and knew of my long time friendship and all the memories that we shared.
So much golf and so much fun. Just a few, coming in the money in the Madison mem-guest, fishing trip to Colorado, golf at Old Baldy by private jet, and so much more at the Vintage.
May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared together.
Love,
Cindy &Matt
We feel your pain!! Love you Fred😰
Loved Elaine from the day I met her when I was 8 years old! Love this Family that I grew up with, RIP dear freind, God bless Fred, Kristy & Family.
I am devastated to hear of my dear friend. My God bless the Toulatos and Smith family.
Elaine was a lovely woman and she always showed her love and commitment for her family. We are sorry for your loss.
Love,
Angi & Pete Evans
Elaine is our wonderful loving sister and sister-in-law who will be the best guardian angel in Heaven for all who know her, family, friends, acquaintances alike. Elaine and Fred attended our wedding in New York in 1995, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events in our lives. She has a gift for gab always updating us about the family's adventures and travels. We love Elaine, Fred, Staci, Christi, all the Smith and Francois families. We will miss her while we cherish and can call upon so many fond memories. Elaine will be forever in our hearts. God Bless Elaine's family, God Bless her soul and may her memory be eternal.
February 21, 2024
The William Humphrey Family sends a message of a continuation of an abundant life to the extended family of Elaine T. Smith. The memories of her will be eternal with her posterity. May you find the peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely,
The William Humphrey Family
Las Vegas, Nevada
I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of Elaine. She once gave Marino a bag of gorgeous clothes too small for most people, but me. (I think Mr Marino mentioned me to her), I had small small children at the time, recently single, and poor as a church mouse in those days. Marino handed them over to me and it was like Christmas. I never had the opportunity to thank her in person. 💕
What a beautiful obituary. We will remember Elaine as a vibrant fun and wonderful person. Fred’s treasure. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
I’m so saddened to hear about Elaine. I so enjoyed playing golf with her at DMCC and enjoying time with her off the course as well…. I was do sad when she moved…. We visited her in Newport, but as time passed…. We eventually lost touch…. she was never out of my thoughts…. This news leaves me with a heavy heart…. But very grateful to have been one of the lucky ones to have known her. My sympathies to you all.