Husband's dying wish granted, thanks to KOMO viewers
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SEATTLE -- For a couple weeks now, the story of Elsie Smith has been tugging at your hearts. Smith is the 91-year-old woman who had no family, and no money, and was selling everything she owned to grant her husband's dying wish to be buried and not cremated.
KOMO viewers answered with their hearts and we gave her a check to pay for her husband's funeral. But so many of you just kept giving... and giving... and giving -- donations totaled $80,000.
"This has been absolutely amazing," Smith said. "It's just been overwhelmingly exciting."
And so Tuesday, because of your kindness, Smith, who's lived what she describes as "a hard life," was able to do her husband of 46 years right.
"You know, people have been so mean to me all my life and uh, and then being in something like this, it shows me that the right can love me instead of being mean to me," Smith said.
Her husband Joe's funeral was taken care of, and someday Elsie's will be too -- she has arranged for side-by-side plots and paid for her own burial when the time comes.
The state pays for the cremation of a low-income seniors, but it doesn't pay for burials. So Smith and her former caretaker Jessica Weatherby are taking your donations and starting a foundation.
"To help senior citizens and people out there in similar situations to bury their loved ones, so she can share this feeling with others," Weatherby said.
So thanks to your generosity, Smith has kept her promise to the love of her life, she has some control of her remaining time on Earth, and now she'll proudly leave something behind.
Both Smith and Weatherby wanted to express their thanks to everyone who donated to make this day happen.
KOMO viewers answered with their hearts and we gave her a check to pay for her husband's funeral. But so many of you just kept giving... and giving... and giving -- donations totaled $80,000.
"This has been absolutely amazing," Smith said. "It's just been overwhelmingly exciting."
And so Tuesday, because of your kindness, Smith, who's lived what she describes as "a hard life," was able to do her husband of 46 years right.
"You know, people have been so mean to me all my life and uh, and then being in something like this, it shows me that the right can love me instead of being mean to me," Smith said.
Her husband Joe's funeral was taken care of, and someday Elsie's will be too -- she has arranged for side-by-side plots and paid for her own burial when the time comes.
The state pays for the cremation of a low-income seniors, but it doesn't pay for burials. So Smith and her former caretaker Jessica Weatherby are taking your donations and starting a foundation.
"To help senior citizens and people out there in similar situations to bury their loved ones, so she can share this feeling with others," Weatherby said.
So thanks to your generosity, Smith has kept her promise to the love of her life, she has some control of her remaining time on Earth, and now she'll proudly leave something behind.
Both Smith and Weatherby wanted to express their thanks to everyone who donated to make this day happen.
Bless Seattle Viewers - BRAVO! May her husband rest in peace.
This is the most amazing story! I have followed this from the beginning and have to say that I have a renewed faith in people. WAY TO STEP UP!!!!!!!
the smile of the lady brings tear to my eyes.....This is something worth my tax dollar, too bad the gov rather give it to the baby mamas who are too lazy to provide anything to the society.
Tears fall from my eyes every time I see this! Keep up the good work KOMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Given the knowledge and the chance, people generally step up to the plate and do the right thing. Unfortunately, we usually only hear the bad stories of people taking advantage of others. We can all learn from this. Change your own little corner of the world. Contribute to the "causes of your heart" and make a difference every day. Some days it's just a smile to brighten someone's day and sometimes you contribute time and money to make that difference. Large or small...every effort makes a difference. So nice to see that Elsie is passing this kindness forward.
One of my best senior friend's name was Elsie. But she is in Heaven now. Elsie Smith seems like a great person. I am so glad that so many people were able to help her. God bless to all.
Vet shouldn't have to worry about this kind of stuff. They served our country proudly. Honestly, it should be taken care of! #respectforsoldiers
No mention of if the person was a Veteran, sure looks like it.
The generosity toward a stranger is truly inspiring, and certainly the causes people choose to donate to are their business. Yet I hope those who donated also donate to assist with other, more widespread causes that afflict living people - starvation and disease, for instance. Let's face it: if viewers can put together this much money to help a woman do something that she wanted, not needed, to do, let's see what we can do to tackle other rampant areas of dire need!
so much love...
Made me cry! I am so glad that I live in Seattle!Â
When I read stories like this one, it warms my heart. This shows that there is still compassion, humanity, and love in a world filled with hate, sorrow, and death. I do agree that there should be some sort of foundation to help the less fortunate pay for final expenses. This story put a smile on my face. Pass it on. :)
She is such a wonderful woman.
Awwww....That warms my heart, may God bless her always.
It's awesome people do care, thats wonderful to read a heartwarming story instead of all the terrible ones we always seem to read.
If everyone gives a little bit, it goes a long way, and gets a lot done.
It's a good idea to start a foundation to assist those in similar needs as Elsie, and I hope that it goes well.
God bless.
This just shows that if we spread more love we can make this world a much better place. It's too easy! I noticed the flag draped coffin which tells me that Elsie's husband was a veteran. So sad that our country doesn't give a final thanks and take care of the burial for those who sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you Joe for your service and may you rest in peace. God Bless.
@Klyann VA will pay for a cremation at Tahoma National Cemetery, but burials cost the family extra, same as the issues here. Also, as with all things Federal, there is some paperwork involved and if Joe and Elsie had not taken care of it beforehand there might be some problems.
I love her! God bless miss Elsie.
completely lost in tears...how wonderful! Thankyou KOMO listeners, you are all wonderful!
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@Fancienanc Are you talking to your imaginary friend again silly girl?
wow, it isnt often that KOMO reports nice heart warming stories. Where is the shock value? Guess I am being too cynical.
That's just what I needed, a good cry this morning. Bless you Ms. Elsie.
Blessings and Peace....Finally
What a sweet little face this woman has. God bless her.
American have hearts!
sometimes the community has a reason to be proud of, this is one
Very glad she and her husband will be buried side by side and that Seattle showed her kindness in a world where she experienced people who were mean. I hope she has a peaceful remainder of her life, and many more years ahead.
Elsie you are a very special lady. "JESUS LOVES YOU THIS I KNOW!" Thank you KOMO viewers for making this happen your the BEST!!! $80,000 raised to help others in this same plight! WOW!!!!!
Seattle is like that.....my home town.
I m happy for her
Your are an incredible lady. God bless you. I wish I lived near you as I would love to visit with you. I would adopt you as my Aunt.
Elsie you and your husband brought to compassion and love out of our hearts and blessed us all with a lesson of true love and commitment for each other. May you be blessed and find peace love and comfort.
God Bless you Elsie your a special lady
Thank you, Komo 4, and Seattle!!! Elsie, you have more friends than you will ever know....rest easy now with your husband, and your heart at peace....
God bless you, Elsie!! Your husband is now at peace and so is the rest of your life. You have touched all our hearts!
God Bless You Elsie!! You are a remarkable woman.
God bless her and all the wonderful KOMO viewers
This dear lady is just a sweetheart. Saw your news coverage this evening. The outpouring of community help was just overwhelming. Blessings to you Elsie!
I'm so happy to have been able to contribute in a small way for sweet Elsie to honor her love. We should ALWAYS remember this and be kind to one another. God Bless you, sweet Elsie.
G-d bless her. I am so glad we came together as a community to help her. I hope she feels peace now that his dying wish was granted.
Thank you KOMO
This is one of THE most heartwarming stories of the decade!!
Elsie you have touched my very soul thank you!
What a sweetie
That is Beautiful, what a dear Awesome wife, God Bless You Elsie and may your dearest Husband Rest In a Peaceful Heaven, you have such a Beautiful Heart. {{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}
Beautiful story for a beautiful lady. God Bless!
It looks to me like her husband was a veteran. Hopefully, he also had military members there for the final goodbye. Thank you for your service, Mr. Smith.
Elsie dreams do come true!!
love this story!