Obituary of Connie Moselle Robinson Smith

CONNIE ROBINSON SMITH OBITUARY

Connie Moselle Robinson Smith passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2018, several days after celebrating her 86th Birthday.

Born Oct. 29, 1932, daughter of the late Sherman Dallas and Doris Cunningham Robinson. She grew up in American Fork, Utah. Connie was a talented violinist, with study beginning at age 7. She was a proud American Fork Caveman, Class of 1950. She represented her hometown as Miss American Fork in 1952. While a student at BYU, played violin in the BYU Symphony Orchestra and was a BYU Cougarette.

She was married and was sealed to her high school sweetheart, Max James Smith on January 12, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised a family of 8 children. Connie was a cherished mother, loving and proud Grandmother of 25 Grand Children and Great Grandmother to 49 Great Children and counting.

Music filled her world every day. Connie taught violin lessons to hundreds of students over a career of 50 years. She and her daughters Sara and Emily, taught in the schools, later founding the American Fork Arts Council Youth String Program. She was founder of a unique violin method of a color coded system, that helped students learn to read music quickly and play in tune as beginners. Her impact on the community has been profound. She was awarded “Woman of Achievement” by the Miss American Fork Pageant for her unforgettable contribution to music education. She enjoyed performing as a member of the Quintessential Quintet, The First String Quintet and in the American Fork Symphony.

Connie was devoted to serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was never without a church calling, her favorites being those that involved music and children. Connie served in many Ward and Stake capacities but loved the most, serving in Primary organization. She was still serving as the Primary Nursery Music leader at the age of 82. Connie served a calling with LDS Social Services, working, with un-wed mothers and at age 82, served an LDS Church Service Mission teaching English as a second language to immigrants.

Being a descendant of Mormon Pioneers from both the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies, she took great pride in her heritage. She was the music director and active member of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Her passion and greatest delight was her family. When not performing or teaching violin she was found serving her family and the Lord. Connie could be found baking, gardening, sewing, writing letters, serving others, quilting, knitting hats, canning and reading. She expressed gratitude, felt blessed, kept a positive attitude and cheerful countenance through challenging times in her life. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Connie is survived by 7 children, Rebecca (Tom) Adams, Harold (Kathleen) Smith, Kathleen (Dennis) Gauger, Robyn (Karl) Healey, Daniel (Jennifer) Smith,  David (Kami) Smith, Sara (Joseph) Swallow, brother Sherman (Barbara) Robinson, and sister in law, Joyce H. Robinson.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Emily Smith, husband Max James Smith, parents Sherman and Doris Robinson and brother Gary Robinson.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and nurses from Hospice, The Charleston, and Stonehenge, along with all her neighbors and friends that have assisted in any way.

Funeral will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Fork 30th Ward, 290 North 900 East. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at the church. 

Connie will really be missed by her family and the thousands of friends she made during her lifetime.