Our beloved mother, Nanny, and dear friend, Lillian Aldrich Smith, passed away peacefully on August 1st, 2023 in Draper, Utah at the age of 91. She was cherished beyond measure and those who had the opportunity to know her and love her will miss her so, but will bask in the kindness and love that she left behind. Her ability to find joy and connection with those around her was a gift she shared constantly.
Lillian was born on April 16th, 1932 in New York City to her loving parents, Sadie and William Engelstadter. Lillian attended Flushing High School and in later years, Rutgers University and the University of Utah. She married Raymond Aldrich in 1952 and together they raised four children. Being a mom was Lillian’s greatest joy and she was a wonderful mother. She loved to sew, read, play the piano and cook for her family. She loved all animals and she was happiest when the house was full of neighborhood kids and loved ones. Lillian worked at St. Mark’s hospital and volunteered at her church, All Saints Episcopal, but her favorite job by far was volunteering at the Children’s Center, a place that provided mental health care to enhance the emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Lillian later married Jack "Pop" Smith and gained 4 stepchildren, whom she loved very much. She has 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Jack passed away in 1990 and she remained very close to his family. Lillian is survived by her children: Rich Aldrich and his partner, Lavene, Karen Mancini and her husband, Enzo, Bill Aldrich and his wife, Karol, and her four step-children. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Jack Smith and her beloved daughter, Peggy Lynn Aldrich, who passed away in 2002. What a beautiful reunion that must have been!
Our family is grateful for the loving, compassionate care provided by the exceptional staff at Ashford in Draper. We also want to thank her hospice nurse, Lori, and the rest of the staff at Symbii Home Health and Hospice, who took such excellent care of her. Our mother treated those around her with such kindness and compassion. Her smile lit up a room and bathed you in warmth, as is evidenced by the many people that mourn her passing.
A memorial service will be held at All Saint’s Episcopal Church, 1710 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please pay forward the kindness and empathy that Lillian always demonstrated.
It was truly my honor getting to know Lillian, the life lessons she taught me will not be forgotten!
Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of countless days spent with my best friend, Karen, at her house on Halick Court in East Brunswick. "Mrs. Aldrich's" radiant smile always made me feel loved and welcome... like I was part of the family. I only hope she knows how grateful I am for those years and, mostly, for giving me the sister I never had. I love you, Lil.
Love to you and your family. Your momma was a special lady.
Billy- I am so sorry. Your mom was a special person. A kind soul that always made me feel welcome. My heart goes out to you and the family.
Lilian was a dear friend whose path I crossed later in her life. We had the joy of doing many fun things together and I loved listening to her remembrances of growing up as a child in New York. I think of her with great love and know how much she loved her family!
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Lillian from All Saints and we connected right away and prayed together. She always went out of her way to greet with her Beautiful smile, Beautiful Woman!!!
We had a lot in common as our engaging conversations were Sweet,deep and light with so much Love between us.
Blessings, Prayers, Comfort and peace to her family and friends.
I will miss you Lillian!
Sherry Moffat
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Lillian from All Saints and we connected right away and prayed together. She always went out of her way to greet me with her Beautiful smile, Beautiful Woman!!!
We had a lot in common as our engaging conversations were Sweet, deep and light with so much Love between us.
Blessings, Prayers, Comfort and Peace to her family and friends.
I will miss you Lillian!
Sherry Moffat
My grandma "E", my angel on this earth and now in heaven. I would not be who I am today without your unwavering love, support, and kindness. You taught me so much, but mostly how to care and be there for others. You taught me how powerful love can be. You were always there for me no matter what. You never missed my school activities, my games, my graduation, my wedding...you were always there, without judgement, with love and support.You will always be my guiding light!
When it's my time to leave this earth, I hope you're the first one to greet me!
There are not enough words to describe how much gratitude and love I have for this beautiful lady. When our Dad married Lillian we became part of a warm and loving big new family. Lillian lovingly embraced us all. I feel so fortunate to have lived close by for so many years. She was there for us always. We thought of her as an Angel on earth then … and an Angel she is now flying with those who left before. What a joyful reunion it must be!
Love you forever - Lilly! Thank you for always being there for me and for the cherished times we shared.
She was the best neighbor ever! A true earth angel: she brought light and joy wherever she went. It was such a privilege to have known her. We are so sorry for your loss. Virlene & Lee Hirschi