Gene Wynne Smith

GENE WYNNE SMITH

Our beloved mother, Gene Wynne Smith of Pompano Beach, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at the age of 92. 

Born in Long Beach, California, Gene and her mother, Frances Wynne, lived in several states before settling in Fort Lauderdale. She graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School and went on to become Miss Fort Lauderdale in 1951. That same year, she married the love of her life, Ivan J. Smith, who's younger brother, Joe, a classmate of Gene's, had introduced to her several years earlier. 

In 1956, they moved into the home they built in Pompano Beach, where they would raise their three daughters. Ivan, who entered the real estate business in 1954, would become a prominent real estate broker and developer in Broward County. In 1982, Ivan built The Criterion Condominium on the ocean in Pompano Beach which became their cherished forever home.

Gene was an active member of her community, including the Children's Aid Club (Past President), Bridge Club, and other local organizations. She and Ivan enjoyed boating to the Bahamas, family camping trips, playing cards—especially Shanghai Rummy—and spending summers with the family at their vacation home in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Gene had a deep love for animals, especially their beagles and her beloved Siamese cat, Nissa, who lived an incredible 22 years. Above all, Gene's greatest happiness came from time spent with her family. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ivan—together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2016. She is also preceded by her cousin, Bill Williams, and his wife, Diane. Bill and Gene were both only children and were like brother and sister throughout their lives. 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Stephanie (Randy) Bates, Kelly Murray, and Cary (Charlie) Garlinghouse. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Brian (Rebecca) Gill, Aaron (Katie) Gill, Lauren (John) Baker, Dana Garlinghouse (Jose Suarez), Trevor Garlinghouse, and her adored great-grandchildren Kyle (Eva) Gill, Paige and Jake Gill, Tripp, Beau, and Cash Baker. 

Gene's legacy will live on through the wisdom she offered, kindness she shared, her sense of humor, and the way she walked through life with great strength and grace. Her everlasting memory will always be in the hearts of her family. A life well-lived and deeply loved. A private family service will be held at the Pompano Beach Cometary on June 2, 2026. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312.