In Memoriam: Elizabeth Hammett Smith
Elizabeth Hammett Smith
Dec 7, 1964 – July 5, 2016
Here we fondly remember our dear friend, sister, yoga practitioner, and fellow traveler on the path – Liz Smith. In yoga, the highest accomplishment is to become the embodiment of one’s ideals. And that Liz certainly achieved. She was sincere, honest, humble, service-minded, and so much more. There was never a need to use those terms when describing Liz to others as her life was a living representation of those qualities. That was readily apparent to all who came her way.
Liz was also a true seeker, not just a classroom practitioner. As she learned more about the tenets of yogic life, she continually put “rubber-to-road” and strove to incorporate those teachings into her daily routine.
Liz first came in contact with Renaissance Yoga around 8 or 9 years ago. And while she was a more than competent practitioner in those “early” days; it was our second go-round that was so brilliant. In early September 2013, I walked into our Thursday morning class at NECC (Ches Bch) and there was a new, yet very recognizable, face. She was sitting on her mat smiling and I began arranging my things trying to place that face – and her beaming smile. As I scoured my mental database of yoga names, admittedly, she had to help me. And from there forward it was all full-steam ahead. She quickly became part of the Tues-Thurs-Fri crew advancing her practice by leaps and bounds. And more than that, she readily became an integral member of the yoga community – very much liked and loved by all. The following 12 -months was a joyous journey of friendship, exploration, advanced practice, and earnest inquiry. She brought a real shine to our community.
As grand as that first year back was, and as much as I would have liked to have put that 12-month period on “auto-repeat” indefinitely, something else came to pass. Over the past two years, Liz bravely battled bone cancer, i.e. multiple myeloma. Over this period, she brought new heights to the term dignity. Many of you bore witness to her equanimity and inner resolve over this time. We all watched in amazement as she carried herself with courage and honor, never seeming to be affected by this awful disease. Yet we knew how serious it was – only it could not defeat her indomitable spirit. And indeed, to this day, I still say the victory is all hers. Liz shall be missed and her beautiful demeanor shall always be a guiding light on how we might all become better in whatever we choose to do and whatever challenges we are to face.
A most touching life celebration was held in her honor this past Monday (July 11). The church hall was absolutely packed – top & bottom – and the sweet remembrance continued on to her Calvert county home where cars filled the farmland and lined the surrounding roadway.
Below is a yoga photo journal of some of our times with Liz, as we strive forward aiming to imbibe all those refined qualities that came so easily to her…
Liz and Her Practice
Mom
Liz writes on 11 March 2014:
20+ years of seasonally decorated lunch bags!
Peace and Relaxation
Enduring On
From the Calvert Recorder
~ click image to enlarge ~
Liz was a pleasure to know and she shared herself with others lovingly and with compassion. She has left a legacy of beauty behind and we will always remember her caring ways.
What a beautiful testimony to a beautiful spirit, Liz. When our bodies depart this earth what is left is the spirit. It is alive in those of the ones well loved, cared for and touched in ways of gentle kindness. Liz will always be with us in our hearts. I feel truly blessed to have known Liz. She was a great gift to all. Her family will continue to be in my prayers.
Peace and love,
Angie
I, too, feel so very blessed to have known Liz. We all were so lucky to have had her for awhile. May her spirit be always with me and remind me to be humble and kind.
With Liz’s passing- and I truly believe her energy continues – I had to throw out all the textbooks. She was such a positive influence on me, always encouraging, so healthy and vibrant, yet this horrible disease still grabbed hold. It has led to some deep meditation on the randomness of this earthly existence and the conclusion that the universe has bigger plans for Liz’s spirit. Our loss, but her goodness is still with us.
When I think of Liz, her wonderful smile comes first to mind. I always admired her strength, grace, poise and beauty. She always seemed to shine with an inner light. I still can’t believe that cancer took Liz from this earth. She will remain in my memory as a smiling, strong yogi.
I am so sad to see this. Liz was a lovely woman.
(Via Facebook)
An amazing woman, an agonizing loss, and a spirit to guide us all through life with grace, compassion, and resolve.
Thank you for sharing this. I wish I had known Liz. Beautifully written.
(Via Facebook)
I too wish I had known her; so warmed by your tribute and the knowledge of Liz.
Thanks to everyone across the entire Renyoga community for your kindness and support….
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and thank you so much Satyam for your beautiful tribute. My mom loved being a part of your yoga community, the admiration was truly mutual. One of her greatest delights was being able to join you after a long week of cancer treatment, and of course she loved the social time afterwards.
I hope to be able to join you in your yoga practice later this summer.
With love and gratitude,
Betsy (Liz’s daughter) and family
Dear Betsy and the Smith Family,
In these days of late, the more I travel around & the more I interact with folks, the more I meet people who know your family. And it is universally held throughout that as people you all are gold – and it is quite apparent that exemplary tradition will continue to shine forth….something you mom will be ever proud of…
And by all means, it will be a joy to have you join in our yoga practice!!
Wishing you comfort & peace…
much love,
Satyam
Hi there, I just finished reading your tribute to Liz—what a wonderful piece! You have captured her spirit in your writing just perfectly. Thank you for that 🙂 She will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to cross paths with her.
Trish Weaver
Dear Satyam,
Such a lovely tribute to Liz. You were such a mentor and friend to her, and have been such a support to me during her battle. I know that I speak for Steve, Betsy, Steven, Hannah and Claire, as well as myself, in thanking you, and your loving yoga group, for your kindness and spiritual support through these difficult days.
With much love and gratitude,
Marcia