Arlene Nishimaki Smith

Arlene Nishimaki Smith, age 65, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, after bravely battling health complications. Born on April 18, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas, Arlene was a beloved aunt, daughter, sister, and friend whose generosity, kindness, and intelligence touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

 Arlene graduated from Westminster College in 1989 with her bachelor’s degree. Although she moved to Salt Lake City as a teenager, she spent her childhood living in Japan, Hawaii, Colorado, and Montana. Arlene dedicated herself to caring for her family, raising her niece, and being the best “Nini” to her grandniece, Olivia and grandnephews, Killian and Grayson.

She was an amazing friend who always went out of her way to show how much she cared. Fiercely loyal, she advocated for her loved ones and took care of those in need, collecting wonderful friends along the way. Arlene enjoyed reading, shopping for the perfect gift, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. Her vibrant spirit and passion for life were evident in everything she did.

She is survived by her niece Jamie and her nephew Jeff. She was preceded in death by her parents, Yukiko Nishimaki Smith and Richard Merle Smith, and her sister Lorraine Hieb. A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a future date.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her name be made to the HealthWell Foundation at https://secure.healthwellfoundation.org/forms/donate. Arlene will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.