Lanamaria Smallwood's Obituary
Lanamaria Smallwood was born at Mercy hospital in New Orleans, LA on December 7, 1943 to Anna Mae Drake née Severin and William B. Drake. She and her parents moved to Oakland, CA in 1944. Her parents welcomed their second daughter, Dr. Chiquita T. Tuttle shortly after their move.
Lanamaria grew up in a close family, with her and her sister sharing everything. This formed the close bond that the two sisters would share over the years.
At the age of 15-years-old her future husband, Shane Smallwood, saw her at the wheel of her father’s car and asked his friend if she was Dr. Chiquita’s mother. He was pleasantly surprised to find the young woman to be about his age. They would date later on, and they stayed together until the end of her days. During their marriage they welcomed three children: Aaron Smallwood, Shannon Jaeger, and Garet Smallwood. They also saw their grandchildren into the world: Chloe and Camille Smallwood (Aaron Smallwood), Demetria Markus, Alexis Moore, Anthony Waters, Gavin Smallwood (Shannon Jaeger), Sean Thi-Smallwood, Mateo Thi-Smallwood, Lynden Smallwood, Kaya Smallwood, Lwazi Smallwood, with one on the way (Garet Smallwood). And she was also fortunate to welcome several great-grandchildren: Roselyn Waters, Adrian Markus, and one on the way (Demetria Markus), Giovanni Lopez, Gino Dominguez, Riley Dominguez, and Niko Moore (Alexis Moore).
Lanamaria graduated from Oakland high school before attending Oakland City College in 1962. She became an X-ray technician at Herrick Hospital and Albany Hospital in Berkeley. In January of 1966, she went to work at Highland Hospital. After the birth of her second child, she returned to work at Fairmont hospital and became a supervisor within 3 years. She remained employed at Fairmont even as it became Alameda Health System. She made many lifelong friends during this time.
Lanamaria obtained her bachelor's degree at Cal State Hayward in 1990. She later pursued a double master's degrees at Cal State Hayward and obtained them in 1998. Her academic pursuits eventually led to her material success as she later became the Director of Radiology for Alameda Health System, the position that she retired from after 44 years of dedicated service.
Lanamaria was a life-long Christian. Although she endeavored to study other religions, she kept her Catholic faith close to her heart.
Lanamaria was a strong, passionate woman who loved deeply. Her life story is worthy of being remembered. May she never be forgotten in our hearts.
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