Doreen Smith-Szpak died of cancer at home Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Anchorage, Alaska, with her family by her side. She was 55 years old.

Doreen was born July 18, 1952, the daughter of Dlorah (Schreckendgust) Bishop and John Malatare. She grew up in Montana, graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1970, and subsequently earned her beautician's license.

After marrying Howard Smith in March 1977 and having two children, Doreen became a domestic engineer and worked hard to take care of everyone who came through her door. Doreen was a wonderful mom, not only to daughter, Aimee, and son, Nathan, but to all of their friends as well.

After Doreen's marriage to Howard ended, she met Dwight Szpak, who became her husband in June 2004. They spent their honeymoon moving to Alaska, driving the Alcan Highway. Doreen loved to watch the moose and the Northern Lights, her two favorite things about Alaska.

Doreen enjoyed taking pictures of family get-togethers, crocheting afghans for friends, cooking big holiday meals, beading earrings, writing letters, and spending time with the people she loved. She will be greatly missed.

Doreen was preceded in death by her brother, Dusty Mills; her mother, Dlorah Bishop; and her father, John Malatare.

She is survived by her husband, Dwight Szpak, daughter, Aimee Smith, and son, Nathan Smith, all of Anchorage; brother, Don Mills, of Columbia Falls; stepfather, Pat Bishop, of Florence; aunt, Jean Schreckendgust, of Whitefish; stepmother, Wyona Malatare, sister, June Malatare, and brothers, Shawn and Jody Malatare, all of Arlee; brother, Jack Malatare, of Newburg, Ore.; sister, Dian Jenkins, of Ronan; sister, Joann Pentland, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; sister, MaryAnn Hunter, of St. Ignatius; sister, Cheryl Malatare, of Wyoming; and sister, Dora Lynn Crane, of Hamilton.

Cremation has taken place, and Doreen's ashes will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, near her brother Dusty at a later date. Cards may be sent to the family at 9456 Morningside Loop, Unit B, Anchorage, AK 99515.

They ask that memorial contributions be given to the American Cancer Society or your local hospice organization in Doreen's honor.