Lauren Kernan (Kernan) Smith (1963-2016)

SMITH, KERNAM, HOWELL

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 1/1/2017 at 14:26:02

Obituary from Iles Funeral Homes, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Lauren Kernan Smith, 53, passed away on December 4th, 2016, after a 10-year dance with what she affectionately called "armpit cancer". With her love of dance and infinite grace, it makes more sense to think of Lauren's relationship with cancer as a dance instead of a battle. Lauren was born on July 18, 1963 in Mount Vernon, New York.

She graduated from Ames High School, before receiving a B.S. in Finance from Iowa State University. She married the love of her life, Clark, in 1985, and they happily celebrated their 31st year of marriage this fall. Their love story is one in a million. Lauren's determined and positive outlook on life helped her to have a very successful career in finance, before she and Clark opened Butler House on Grand Bed and Breakfast in 1999. Anyone who has met Lauren knows that this was the perfect job for her vivacious and inviting personality. Even in a crowd, you were the only person in a room when Lauren was talking to you.

Lauren was never one to brag about herself, but she was recognized for many awards over the years, including Innkeeper of the Year, the Governor's Volunteer Award, and a member of Forty Under Forty. Lauren's proudest achievements, however, were her family and the numerous friends she loved like family. Lauren had several "dance partners" throughout the years; so, in Lauren's honor, thank you to the Mercy Medical staff, MOHA staff, Kavanagh House, Women's Rosary Group, Amazing Women, GNO, and St. Augustin Church and School.

Lauren was truly an angel on earth and will be missed by so many loved ones. Her optimism touched the lives of so many, and her kindness had a ripple effect. Lauren is survived by her husband, Clark Smith; daughters, Darby and Brigid Smith; mother, Delma Kernan; sister and brother-in-law, Andrea and Pete Howell; brother, Mark Kernan; and nieces and nephew, Megan Howell, Ryan Howell, Kate Howell, and Soren Kernan. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. William Kernan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Augustin Foundation or Kavanagh House. Visitation services will be held in the St. Augustin Parish Hall from 5-7 pm on Thursday, December 8th, with a wake/vigil service in St. Augustin Church beginning at 7 pm.

In celebration of Lauren's life, the family suggests that pink is worn to the Thursday evening visitation services. Funeral services will be held at St. Augustin Church on Friday, December 9th at 10:30 am.