Ada Davidnova Smith, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2018.She lived a full;international life, had a loving family and was blessed by so many wonderful friends. Her living was an incredible journey around the world and on her terms. Her death leaves her friends and family with an endearing memory of humorous stories, personal strength and a reminder that the world belongs to those who pursue its opportunities.

Born on September 20, 1924, to David and Vera Morgenstern, who escaped to China from the tumult of the Russian revolution, she became a Chinese citizen- speaking Chinese and Russian. She spoke no English. The family later moved to Tientsin, where she grew up to be quite the beauty and was named Miss Tientsin. After her schooling she moved to Shanghai, where she started working and met her husband of 60 years- Douglass Smith, an adventurous young pilot from Brownsville, Texas who with a group of likeminded young pilots joined with General Claire Chenault of the fabled Flying Tigers to cast their careers in China, which was in the midst of the communist revolution. With their valor and dedication, not to mention the support of their wives- grew Civil Air Transport (CAT), often considered China's first airline and the famous clandestine carrier of the Cold War- Air America. Ada's life would be forever changed.

Married in Shanghai in 1949, she and the other young wives barely escaped from the turbulence in China and moved to Hong Kong. From this escape, she and her new husband built a life together. In 1950. her son Perry was born and in 1952 they moved to Japan, where her second son Gregory was born in 1954. What a life ... with moves that brought many memories and lifelong friends. She then raised her family in Taiwan, before moving with her husband to Saigon, again to Japan, and then to Miami, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, London, and as retirement loomed- to California before settling in Laguna Woods. One of her favorite passions was working with her friends at Laura's House Resale Store in Lake Forest for supporting women and children in abusive relationships.

When China fell, her parents were able to take the first refugee ship from Shanghai, and were among the first to arrive in Jerusalem, where they lived until their passing. Her dear sister Marsha, an accomplished painter, now lives in London. Her devoted husband Doug passed away in 2009 and her son, Greg, who became an accomplished Naval officer- tragically passed away in 2007 after serving years of duty on aircraft carriers.

As Ada and her husband settled for retirement in California, she became a proud grandmother and great grandmother to a beautiful and growing family. Her son Perry, now a retired executive, lives with his wife Margaret in Wilmington, NC after raising 3 children who grew up in Singapore and have themselves carried on with the spirit of adventure. Her grandson Perry Smith, Jr, and his wife Emily, both successful attorneys, live in Atlanta and have two wonderful sons Peter and Matthew, her granddaughter Lindsay, is in investment banking and lives in Dallas with her entrepreneur husband Chris Grider, and have 2 beautiful daughters, Margaret and Sydney. Her youngest grandson Derek, also a driven entrepreneur, lives with his wife Elizabeth, an accomplished executive and have 3 gorgeous children, Annabeth, Elijah, and Josephine. Ada's home was covered with pictures of children and her life with Doug.

Her best times were when she could be with friends and family. She had a determination to live her life to the fullest and was ready to take on the world every day. Ada is missed so much.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Laura's House. The link to donate is below.

https://www.laurashouse.org/donate


Please know that my family and I plan to hold the memorial service for my mother on Saturday July 28 at 12:30 at El Toro Memorial Park. The service will be outside at the burial site.

She wanted to be with my father, Doug, and my brother, Greg. After her service we will then have a short military honors salute for them both.

We would like to invite you to join us if you can. Should you be able to attend, please contact me at910-297-7920 or by email at pds118@gmail.com. If you wish to call the mortuary, please contact Ms. Rebecca Miranda at 949-494-9415.

Hope to see you!
Warmest regards,

Perry Smith