Greta Lopez Smith was born on August 17, 1934, in Belize City, Belize to Wilhelm Lopez and Hilda Shaw. She spent her early years in Mexico, where she was raised in large part by her grandmother, a midwife, who taught her the importance of caring for others and introduced her to what the family affectionately came to know as “bush medicine.” Long before internet searches and urgent care visits, Greta had a home remedy for nearly everything and you were expected to try it before considering any other option.

Greta’s first language was Spanish, she went to Belize as a teen to learn English and that’s when she met her beloved, Bill. From an early age, Greta developed a deep love of learning that remained with her throughout her life. Over the years, she attended cosmetology school, attended college to earn her associate’s degree in early childhood nutrition, worked as a home health aide, DJ’d and pursued a wide range of vocational interests.

As the eldest in a large and extended family, Greta became a caregiver and source of stability early in life. Caring for others was not simply something she did; it was at the core of who she was. She helped raise many of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, opening her home and offering guidance, discipline, protection, encouragement, and unconditional love. To many, she was known simply and lovingly as “Tia.” That name came to represent far more than a family title. It meant caregiver, teacher, supporter, and home.

Greta’s only beloved child, Cardinal, was born in 1952. She was a devoted mother and worked tirelessly to make sure he had the best of life. In 1974, she emigrated to the United States, following her son. Although she never intended to stay permanently, love had other plans. She remained in the US, building a life centered on family and faith along with her husband, Bill.

Greta and her beloved husband, Bill, eventually made 513 Park Place in Brooklyn, New York, their home for more than 50 years. It became far more than an address. It was a gathering place, a refuge, a place of celebration, and the center of family life. It was also where Greta peacefully passed away on June 24th, 2026 at 91, surrounded by her loving granddaughters, Greta and Cardinale.

The work she loved most was at Carnegie Hall. She began there as an usher and, by the time of her retirement, had become a manager of ushers. The role allowed her to combine her strong work ethic with her love of music and people. Carnegie Hall remained such an important part of her identity that even after dementia affected many parts of her memory, she would still remember that she needed to call Carnegie Hall to notify them of her absence. And when she became unsettled, music often had the power to calm and comfort her.

Greta loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She also played the guitar, and music remained one of the most enduring threads of her life. It connected her to family, to memory, and to joy. Greta’s faith was an integral part of her life and she instilled that in her family.

Greta shared her life with William Smith, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her son, Cardinal Smith. Their loss was deeply felt, but their love remained an enduring part of her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory her granddaughters, Greta Smith and Cardinale Smith-Dougal; her grandsons-in-law, Richard Miller and Ryan Dougal; her great-grandchildren, Victoria, Ryan, Arianna, and Maya; her nephew Francis Pennill, his wife Colleen and their daughter Erin; and the many family members and friends whose lives she touched.

Although Greta and Cardinale were her granddaughters, the relationship they shared with her was much more like that of a mother and her daughters. She was essential in raising them and shaped their lives through her love, sacrifice, guidance, and unwavering presence. She was their protector, teacher, encourager, and home.

The family also extends its heartfelt appreciation to Nellie Dyer and Dethra Sabral, whose devoted care, patience, compassion, and support brought comfort to Greta and tremendous assistance to the family. Their presence and kindness made an immeasurable difference.

Although our hearts are heavy, we give thanks for Greta’s remarkable life and for the countless ways she cared for and blessed those around her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew her as Greta, Ma, Mama, Mommy, and most affectionately, Tia.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
— Matthew 25:23