Irene Tomio Smith

June 1, 1916–Jan. 26, 2019 Resident of Daly City

At age 102, Irene passed away peacefully at home in Daly City.

She was born in Santa Clara to Umetarou and Satoru Wakana of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Her father was the foreman for Frank Wilcox, a pioneering local pear fruit grower and father of prominent sons, Lloyd and Adrian Wilcox. After 35 years of service, Irene’s father retired in 1934 and relocated the family to Japan. Close communication and visits of the Wakana and Wilcox families continued for years to follow.

Irene returned to California in 1957. She married John M. Smith in 1958 and was happily married for 61 years.

Irene was a nurse at the Peninsula Hospital Emergency Room for 24 years.

She is survived by her husband, John; nephews, Daiki Wakana and Koki Wakana of Japan; nephews, Clark Yamasaki, Herbert Yamasaki, and Eugene Yamasaki of San Jose. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Erma Wakana, Helene Yamasaki and Toshio Wakana.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the thoughtful neighbors who provided support and looked in on her and to the San Mateo County Support Services for the Aged.