Doreen Smith-Szpak

Doreen Smith-Szpak, 55, died of cancer June 15, 2008, at her home in Anchorage, Alaska, with her family by her side.

Doreen was born July 18, 1952, the daughter of Dlorah (Schreckendgust) Bishop and John Malatare. She grew up in Montana, graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1970 and subsequently earning her beautician's license.

After marrying Howard Smith in March 1977 and having two children, Doreen became a domestic engineer and worked hard to take care of everyone who came through her door.

Doreen was a wonderful mom, not only to daughter Aimee and son Nathan but to all of their friends as well.

After Doreen's marriage to Howard ended, she met Dwight Szpak, who became her husband in June 2004. They spent their honeymoon moving to Alaska, driving the Alcan Highway. Doreen loved to watch the moose and the Northern Lights, her two favorite things about Alaska.

Doreen enjoyed taking pictures of family get-togethers, crocheting afghans for friends, cooking big holiday meals, beading earrings, writing letters and spending time with the people she loved. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her brother Dusty Mills, her mother Dlorah Bishop and her father John Malatare.

She is survived by her husband Dwight Szpak, daughter Aimee Smith and son Nathan Smith, all of Anchorage; brother Don Mills, of Columbia Falls; stepfather Pat Bishop, of Florence; aunt Jean Schreckendgust, of Whitefish; stepmother Wyona Malatare, sister June Malatare and brothers Shawn and Jody Malatare, all of Arlee; brother Jack Malatare, of Newburg, Ore.; sister Dian Jenkins, of Ronan; sister Joann Pentland, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; sister MaryAnn Hunter, of St. Ignatius; sister Cheryl Malatare, of Wyoming; and sister Dora Lynn Crane, of Hamilton.

Cremation has taken place, and Doreen's ashes will be buried at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, in Columbia Falls, near her brother Dusty. Cards may be sent to the family at 9456 Morningside Loop, Unit B, Anchorage AK 99515.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or a local hospice organization in Doreen's honor.