Chioi Watanabe Smith – October 16, 2020

   Chioi Watanabe Smith, age 89, passed away on October 16, 2020.  Chioi was born in Japan and grew up during World War II. Her home was bombed during the war, and she had to fight and struggle for food, clothes, and shelter for herself as well as her younger siblings. She came to America with her husband and small child.  After a few years, Chioi’s husband passed away.  She received her American citizenship while she struggled to raise two children alone in a strange place where she knew no one! 

   While working as a bartender, Chioi loved serving her customers and watching them smile and laugh. The only thing she loved more than other people was animals.  She also enjoyed gardening.  I can’t say when she found God, but He was right on time!  Sleep on, Chioi, and rest.

   Preceding her in death are her husband, her mother and father of Japan, a daughter, and three sisters.

   She leaves to mourn her death a sister, Keiko; son, Alvin Carter and wife Mae of Colorado Springs; grandchildren: Theresa Powers of Colorado Springs, Monica Sallis Nelson of South Carolina, Blanch Henry of Colorado Springs, Tori DeGresse of Texas, Winifred Clark of Colorado Springs, James Clark of Germany, and numerous children whom she loved as her own.

   A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel at 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.  Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.