She was born in Grand Marais, the youngest child of George “Bud,” “Buckskin” and Doreen (Sorensen) Smith. She spent the first few years of her life in Grand Marais, before her family moved to St. Peter, Minnesota when she was four.
In 1980, she graduated from St. Peter High School and went to Mankato State University for a year. She spent a few years working various jobs prior to entering the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps.
In 1985, Alura was employed at John Henry Foster as a word processor and later as an account payables administrator, where she made many lifelong friends. She also worked part-time at Walmart for years, forming lasting relationships with not only the employees but with customers as well. She was loved and admired by the many people whose lives she touched.
In 1985, Alura moved in with her sister, Tammie, and they lived together until March of 2016. They were not only sisters but also best friends and shared many adventures from traveling to different countries to winning a cribbage contest.
Alura had many passions. She loved reading, working on puzzles, baking and making crafts. Friends and family could always count on Alura to gather gifts and create baskets for special occasions.
Spending time with family was important to Alura. She would go to as many family reunions as she could, up to three a year.
Late last year Alura met Lavon, who became the love of her life. They had plans to marry later this year.
Alura was taken from us too soon. She was very full of life and had many more things she wanted to do. She will be missed by the many people who loved her. She is now in heaven with her Dad.
Alura is survived by her mother Doreen Smith of Eagan; sister Tammie Smith of White Bear Lake; “adopted” sister Lieve Cornelissen of Belgium; brothers Mike Smith of Milaca and Paul Smith of Mahtowa; and her fiancé Barry Lavon McKelly of Blaine. She is also survived by nieces Heather (Tony) Ziegler and Sarah (Tom) Keck both of Lake Crystal; two nephews Jarne and Kjeld Haest in Belgium; five great-nieces; two great-nephews; one great-great niece, many aunts, uncles and cousins; her extended family in Belgium, as well as special friends Dana Reiger and Michele Robertsdahl.
She is preceded in death by her Dad Bud and grandparents Paul and Irene Sorensen and Stanley and Grace Smith.
Memorial Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 4, 2016 at J.S. Klecatsky & Sons Eagan Chapel, 1580 Century Point in Eagan. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 and also one hour prior to the service on Sunday, all at the funeral home.
“A golden heart stopped beating; hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.”
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