Alison Smith-Moser, 38

Alison Smith-Moser, 38, passed away "to join God in heaven" on Nov. 26, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Alison was born to Bill and Jan Smith in Wauwatosa, Wis., on Jan. 30, 1968. She graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1986 and soon after followed her mother Jan back to the great state of Montana.

She graduated from the University of Montana with a teaching degree in special education in 1994. Upon graduating, Alison married Aaron Moser of Missoula. Together, they took young son Alexander on a wonderful adventure to the island of Guam where Alison taught.

It did not take long for Alison's loving personality to gain many life-long friends in any place she lived. They returned to Missoula, where Aaron pursued a degree at U of M, and the remaining four children were born with the help of special friend Korey Wolferman.

In 2003, following the death of her mother, Jan, Alison and family moved to Whitefish. As in every move Alison made, her kindness and open heart captured another special group of friends, reiterating her magnetic personality that touched all whom she met.

The generosity and care as she battled the illness exemplified the life she led. She will be missed by all, especially her family, in which she demonstrated the uncanny ability to be such a magnificent mother and wife. The memories and joy she created for all will never die.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for the children's education fund in care of Dave Stewart at P.O. Box 2098, Whitefish MT 59937; a local hospice; or a recipient of the donor's choice.

Services were held in Whitefish and Missoula.