Luzviminda Lani Smith

Luzviminda Lani Smith, a cherished matriarch and beacon of joy, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at her home in Dothan, Alabama, after an extended illness. Lani was born on May 27, 1929, in the Philippines and spent her early years on the beautiful island of Kauai, which shaped her vibrant spirit and love for life.

Lani's journey was marked by her passion for culture and dance, as she worked as a hula dancer, enchanting audiences with her grace and the stories she told through movement. Her dedication to health and wellness led her to a fulfilling career as a dietician at the hospital, where she continued to touch lives with her kindness and care.

In 1981, Lani's heart found its match when she met Robert L. Smith, a military man whose love for adventure matched her own. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership of love, travel, and shared experiences as they journeyed around the world, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Eventually, they settled in Alabama, where they continued to grow their family and community ties.

Lani's life was a melody of love and friendship, underscored by her adoration for music, particularly the tunes of Elvis Presley. Her love for The King's music was only rivaled by the love she held for her family. She is survived by her devoted son, Carl David Salaski, Sr. and his wife Becky; her adoring grandchildren, Carl Salaski, Jr., Brandon Salaski, and Darcy Salaski; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members who were blessed to know her.

Her family will remember Lani as the epitome of a loving and friendly soul, whose adventurous spirit never waned. She was a woman who lived her life with an open heart and open arms, always ready to embrace new experiences and people.

Lani was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert L. Smith, who passed away in 2012. The legacy of their love continues to live on through the stories and memories shared by all who knew them.

As we bid farewell to Luzviminda "Lani" Smith, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of warmth, compassion, and adventure. Her journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the love she spread and the joy she brought to so many will continue to resonate forever. Lani's story is one of a life embraced with both hands, a dance of joy, and a song of love that will echo throughout the ages.