Obituary of Lizette Syomara Smith Nielsen
Lizette Syomara Smith Conley (Lizzy) "Pura Vida!”
“'Pura Vida!’ It's my new life's motto and I never want to forget it. Authentic, real, peaceful.”
Lizette Smith Conley returned to her loving Father in Heaven having lived a life worthy of celebration. Liz was a force of nature, a force for good, a beloved mother and wife, and a lifetime friend. She lived her beliefs, wore her heart on her sleeve and fought hard for the things that mattered most to her: her daughters, loving relationships, healing, adventure, and social justice. Whether you knew her for 15 minutes or for 48 years you had access to her heart, her passion and her beliefs. She was a woman, who in the short time she had, mastered the art of balance and joy, even in the hardest times. “Nothing in my life matters more to me than the relationships I have with others. I am finally, at long last, living the life I always wanted. Surrounded by people I love and trust, traveling, and working on issues I am passionate about (cancer, health and wellness, and survivorship).”
Lizzy, mother of two vibrant girls, took mothering to a new level. She, like many mothers, wanted to raise healthy, happy, strong women. “I have two daughters who I love more than life itself. I (almost always) love spending time with them. Because when we do, and it's just us, we have some fascinating chats. We get to bond and get to know each other better. The trust factor increases and, generally, so does the "like" factor.” Lizzy liked her daughters as much as she loved them. She admired their spirits, their determination and their enthusiasm for life. She leaves behind a big piece of her heart and her determination in her girls. “I hate leaving my daughters, not even for a day. It is so good to be in the loving embrace of my children, who are my life. THEY are my passion.”
Lizzy was so fortunate to have found the love of her life, a man who in her words, was “all in.” William (Bill) Conley was her other half. Together they were joyous. “But the great news in all of this is that I am now married and officially celebrated to a man I love and adore. We respect each other. I am so blessed and lucky.” Together, Bill and Lizzy traveled, parented, debated and enjoyed every moment they had together. He matched her intellect, he savored her adventurous spirit, and loved her completely. Lizzy is survived by a loving husband who will carry on her legacy.
Lizette Smith Conley accomplished many things in her short life. She graduated from the University of Utah, adopted two daughters, had a successful corporate career, was involved in the fight for a cure for Multiple Myeloma, was an advocate for women and girls, was a freelance writer, global explorer and more; but she will be remembered for more than her accomplishments. She will be remembered for the person she was and the values she lived by. “And each day, I swear to you, I do my best to LIVE. I treat people the best way I can. I really put myself out there to help others, even when it's not comfortable or convenient. I cut out people who are toxic. And I run towards... love, fun, peace, and meaning.”
To celebrate the life of Lizette Smith Conley, is to celebrate the woman she was and try to live by her example. “Pura Vida!” Be passionate, be real, be honest and be authentic. Be part of her legacy.
Lizzy passed peacefully at Huntsman Cancer Institute at 1:00 pm on October 3, 2016. She was surrounded by her loving parents Keith and Jackie Smith, her husband William Conley, and her brothers, Jason and Ryan Smith. She is survived also by her daughters Siena and Morgan Nielsen.
There will be a gathering and viewing for Lizette Smith Conley, Monday October 10th from 6-8pm at Anderson and Son’s Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork, Utah. Funeral Services will follow the next day, Tuesday October 11th, at 11am, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, 1152 North 400 West, American Fork Utah.
Flowers may be sent to Anderson and Son's Mortuary. Cards may be sent to her home at 2979 Desert Forest Lane, Lehi, Utah 84043.
Donations to fight Myeloma may be given at myelomacrowd.org website.
Thank you all for your love and support. Lizzy was loved and admired by so many people