Albertine Smith

Albertine Viktoria Lohbrunner Smith, 85 of Concord passed away peacefully on October 23, 2022 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in Nurnberg, Germany on January 2, 1937 to the late Stephan Alois Lohbrunner and Viktoria Marie Schreyer Lohbrunner. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Charlie “Abel” Smith and siblings: Marlene Bittner, Stephan Lohbrunner and Luisa Faber.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 27 from 5 to 7 pm at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 28 at 1:30 pm at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, with Father Jerome Chavarria CSsR officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.

Albertine grew up in Nurnberg, Germany the middle child of five. The first 7 years of Albertine’s life she lived with her grandparents on a dairy farm in Southern Bavaria since their childhood home in Nurnberg was unsafe due to war time activities. Albertine never fully recovered from those early memories of the war and as an adult every time she heard thunder she was frightened.

Years later back in Nurnberg, Albertine was known in her neighborhood as the German girl who mastered the English language. She baby sat for many American Military families and was asked to accompany and interpret for Officers wife’s who wanted to go into town to shop. She later would meet her future husband on a blind date via mutual American friends.

She travelled to Concord, NC in November of 1958, married and started her life in the United States. Albertine became a US citizen as soon as the guidelines allowed and was proud to be a part of this great country. During her lifetime, she often travelled with her children to her native country maintaining a strong connection with her family. She embraced her husband’s hobby as a horseman and became a skilled rider. Many family vacations and activities were centered around horseback riding.

She worked outside of the home her entire adult life until retirement. She was athletic, a fabulous cook and exceptional baker as her mother was a trained chef. She was a fierce silent competitor. Whatever goal she had she met it. If you were picking someone to be on a winning team she would be the ALL star. She never bragged nor talked about herself. She just always did her part and never complained. She was eternally positive and could make a chore enjoyable. She loved music, children and animals above all else and had many pets. Most importantly she was extremely spiritual and it showed in her kind words, gentle way and patience.

Those left to cherish Albertine’s memory are: Her children: Stephan Smith and Shasta Simpson and his daughter Samantha and husband Michael Zimmerschied and son Gibson Ray; Monica Smith Dolak and husband Steve, Michael Smith, and Thomas Smith and wife Laura and their children: Jace and Abel. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Concord, NC, 28025 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.