L. Winnie Kromer Smith, age 83, died at her home in Oak Harbor on Aug. 10 following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 12, 1922 in Aiden, North Carolina to Clarence and Belah (Speight) Sumrell.

Winnie married Duayne D. Kromer and followed him through his Navy career assignments to Bremerton, Oak Harbor, Hawaii and back to Oak Harbor. When Duayne retired from the Navy, Hawaii became home to the family. Duayne died suddenly and was buried in the National Memorial of the Pacific “Punchbowl” in Hawaii. Winnie then returned to Oak Harbor.

She ultimately pursued her dream of becoming an artist and attended Arizona Academy for the Arts, receiving her Associates Degree. During her career, she specialized in oils.

Winnie married William H. “Bill” Smith at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Chapel on April 9, 1983. They returned to Hawaii and made it their home for the past 15 years. Winnie and Bill returned to Oak Harbor a month ago and enjoyed her home filled with her artwork.

Winnie was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Waianne, Hawaii and of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church of Oak Harbor.

Winnie is survived by her husband, Bill at the family home; by her four children, Janet Foster and Norma Jean Moore of Oak Harbor; David Kromer of Arizona and Paul Kromer of Oregon; two sisters, Grace Fleming of Washington D.C. and Alene Clausen of North Carolina; one brother, Billy Sumrell of Georgia and five wonderful grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Winnie Smith were held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Aug. 14 with Rev. Robert Rhimes, SJ, officiating. Cremation followed with family inurnment to be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.