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In Memory

Wilhelmina H. Smith - Class Of 1952

Wilhelmina Smith

Wilhelmina Hagerman Smith passed peacefully on Sunday August 27th, with her brother, Jim Smith, by her side. Wilhelmina was 89.

Wilhelmina was born, raised, and lived Palo Alto the greater portion of her life. Wilhelmina attended Palo Alto High School and continued her education at CSM. She initially entered the work force at London / McBride ladies clothing on University Ave Palo Alto as well as I Magnin, and Joseph Magnin Department Stores Stanford Shopping Center. With true entrepreneurial spirit, in 1955 she opened Wilhelmina's Formal and Bridal Salon on Bryant Street Palo Alto and later moved a few blocks away to Waverly Steet Palo Alto. She later held the position of Office Manager for Palo Alto Allied Van Lines and later worked in Sales for Bay Micro Film in Palo Alto and later in Sunnyvale.

Wilhelmina was a loving and dedicated daughter providing loving care to her mother, Wilhelmina C. Smith, until her passing in 1989.

With her love for her hometown of Palo Alto and her great historical knowledge of the City of Palo Alto, she took great pleasure in providing walking tours of the city. Wilhelmina greatly enjoyed getting together with a close group of "Paly" alumni "sisters". They always had a fun time when they would get together, always punctuated with lots of laughter.Wilhelmina was a 65+ year member of the Palo Alto Order of Eastern Star (OES) Chapter No. 123 (Past Worthy Matron); Queen Esther Shrine No. 50; Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem Chapter 204 (Past WHP) and Charter Member and Past Royal Matron of Palo Court No. 115, Order of Amaranth. She enjoyed craft projects and over the years made countless corsages and carrying pieces for installations.

Wilhelmina is survived by her brother James H. Smith (Karen E.) of San Jose, seven nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece (Leona James).

A special heart felt thank you for the kind and loving care provided to Wilhelmina by the staff at Valley View Manor.

Published by Mercury News on Sep. 12, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mercurynews/name/wilhelmina-smith-obituary?id=53081259