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Obituary for Ellen Rose Smrek
Smrek, Ellen Rose, 75, of Littleton, CO, passed away at her home January 25, 2012. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness to her wide circle of friends and family. Preceded in death by parents Edgar and Mary Morley of Youngstown, beloved husband Albert of nearly 50 years, and numerous siblings. She is survived by her children: Beverly Slemmer of Glendora, NJ, Cristine Smrek of Levitttown, PA, Jeff Smrek of Glendora, NJ, Sandra Johnson (Jay) of Fort Collins, CO, Dave Smrek (Andrea) of Littleton, CO, and Veronica Chavla (Naeem) of Richland, WA, as well as sisters Mary Morley and Rita Kline of Youngstown. Rose adored her grandchildren and was a loving and proud grandma to Richard, Erin, Brianna, Caitlin, Noah, Jake, Cameron, Bethany, Hannah, Jocelyn and Elena. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Natalie Morley of Las Vegas and Jenny Morley of Fair Oaks, CA; brother-in-law George Bode of Youngstown; and many nieces and nephews. Rose was born February 19, 1936 in Youngstown, Ohio as Ellen Rose Morley. She graduated from Ursuline High School and obtained a BS in elementary education from Youngstown State University. She taught elementary school throughout a 50-year span, a profession she loved so much that she never even considered retirement. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, and volunteered with the Altar and Rosary Society. Rose was known for her vitality and energy, as well as her kindness and calm personality. She was beloved for her non-judgmental approach to life. Her ability to accept and appreciate people for who they were helped her to make and keep many longtime friends from many places and points in her life. Teaching was her passion, and she so enjoyed the process of seeing someone learn a new skill that -- whether it was one of her children, grandchildren or students -- she celebrated their achievement as if it were her own. She loved to travel, especially to visit family. She was an avid reader and gardener, walked daily with her beloved canine companion Tessa and found a creative outlet in sewing.
