Abigail “Abby” Mei Smith, 21, of Eagle Idaho, passed away February 14, 2023. She was born on October 16, 2001 in Yokosuka, Japan to parents Garrett and Rachel (Walke) Smith.
Abby was an energetic, independent child with a vivid imagination. She attended public preschool in Japan becoming fluent in Japanese. Upon returning to the United States around the age of 4, the sassy blonde hair, blue-eyed Abby insisted that she was Japanese and would happily debate the topic with any adult who doubted her. During her elementary school years, her family moved several times from Chicago to New York City, and to the San Francisco Bay Area. She became more soft spoken and loved taking care of her three little brothers.
In sixth grade, Abby discovered one of her true joys – rugby. She was honored and proud to play for an elite high school varsity club team when she was only 11 years old and was one of the youngest players to go to the High School National Championship tournament. Throughout her career she learned from several of the best coaches in the sport and worked incredibly hard to be the best player she could.
In 2018, Abby’s family moved to the Boise Idaho area where she would have the best years of her life. She loved Idaho and loved playing for the Eagle High School Girl’s Rugby Team. She gained more confidence on and off the field and made lifelong friends that would support her until her last moments. Abby was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her first weeks in Idaho, several of the youth took her boating and accepted her in. She texted her parents, “I love it here!!!”. During her senior year, Abby accepted a scholarship to play rugby at Life University and was excited to play rugby at the highest levels.
Abby was no stranger to adversity, but she never let those challenges define her. Her trials molded her into an amazing young woman who could find the positives in any situation. During her last two years of mortal life, Abby found her second love – helping young people battle cancer. Using social media and her witty sense of humor, she was a friend to the friendless, a distraction to anyone needing comic relief, and an inspiration to those suffering. Her videos had been viewed over 43 million times at the time of her passing (linktr.ee/discount.gi.jane). She refused sponsorship and instead encouraged donations to the homeless or childhood cancer research. She saw God’s hand in everything during her last years. She was not shy about the source of her strength and was willing to share her faith with anyone who asked. She loved many deeply and was deeply loved by many.
Abby is survived by her parents, Garrett and Rachel Smith, her beloved brothers Tanner, Oliver, and Eli, and grandparents Patricia Smith, and Thomas and Patricia Walke.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Darwin “Beau” Smith.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2090 N Eagle Rd, Eagle, ID) on Saturday March 4 th , 2023 at 1pm. Reception to follow. Anyone is welcome to come and share their memories with us.