Obituary of Sunny Kumson Smith

None Sunny Kumson Smith October 11, 1958 – March 20, 2012 Sunny passed away doing what she loved, seeing the world with her loving husband, Robert Smith on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Sunny was born on October 11, 1958 in Seoul, South Korea. While working in Seoul, Sunny met and eventually fell in love with a young Army soldier, Robert Paul Smith. Robert and Sunny were married in Korea on May 4, 1977. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Kristina Marie and Tyler Young Smith. As an Army family living all over the U.S. and the world, Sunny exuded the adage of “it’s not about where you are, but who you are with.” Her special touch made every location “home.” Sunny and Robert eventually chose to settle down and build their dream home in Lacey, Washington. Despite attaining only a middle school level education in Korea, Sunny mastered the English language and excelled as an American citizen. She truly lived and believed in the American Dream. A strong believer in education, she worked tirelessly to attain her degree in Accounting. She applied her skills and talents while stationed overseas, where Sunny managed a tax office. Upon returning to the U.S., she worked as a certified Korean-English interpreter for St. Martin’s College and the Thurston County Court System. Ultimately, she found success working in the Fuel Tax Division at Washington State’s Department of Licensing. Sunny had a true passion for living, constantly learning and finding new ways to experience the world. Sunny possessed many talents; she had the ability to recreate beautiful and complex crochet- or knit-work through visual inspection and she dabbled in the traditional art of Sumi-e oriental black ink paintings. She was blessed with a “green thumb” and took great pride in cultivating beautiful gardens everywhere she called home. Sunny was a devoted gym enthusiast and always looked forward to her yoga, aerobics, and spin classes. She enjoyed cross country skiing and snowshoeing; and turned this passion into regular family outings on Mt. Rainier. A spirited mother and wife, she was always up for any adventure – such as gathering chestnuts in Italy, clam digging in the Puget Sound, and hiking to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier. No matter the activity, she insisted it be done “together” with family and friends. Her love for adventure was only matched by her passion for good food and company. She was best known for being a selfless hostess and for her incredible cooking. Sunny took great joy in sharing her home and food with family and friends –her way of showing love. Sunny is survived by her beloved husband Robert, residing in Lacey, and her two adoring children: Krissy and Tyler as well as her mother, brothers, and sister residing in South Korea. In memory, she will always be the vibrant, humorous, loving person who had a positive outlook on life. Her name truly reflected the “Sunny” warmth of love that she brought to all who knew her. A celebration of Sunny’s life will be held on Saturday, 31 March. Doors will open at 2pm at the Funeral Alternatives of Washington: 2830 Willamette Drive NE, Lacey WA 98516 (corner of Willamette and Polaris). Pastor Trevor Lee will be officiating. All are welcome. Flowers are also welcome, however the family encourages donations to be made in Sunny’s memory to the Lupus Foundation of America. Following the service, the family opens their home for a reception until 6pm. Please bring light refreshments if you wish. Please sign the guestbook below and leave your favorite memory.