Lola Cecilia Smith Obituary and Memorial

Life story

Fish gotta swim, oh, birds gotta fly, I gotta love a lot of men 'til I die, oh, happy to be in love with you.

Lola Cecilia Smith (née Rocha) died peacefully on October 23, 2023, in her home at the age of 97. A one-of-a-kind and true Washingtonian, Lola was born on January 16th, 1926. She grew up in the neighborhood of Meridian Hill Park, attended Central High School, and spent the last 65 years residing in the same house in Palisades where she provided a loving, joyful, and food-filled environment for her four children and husband of 60 years. Lola was known among friends and family for her zest for life, unconditional hospitality to all who stepped through her door, talent for decor and fashion, and, sometimes, her playful rebellious streak.

In 1943, she was the first female usher to ever be hired by the historic Tivoli Theater on 14th Street, NW, and then went on to become a switchboard operator for the Bell Telephone Company, a job where - she liked to recount - she could eavesdrop on conversations between Washington bigwigs and politicos of the time. Always elegant and understated, but also known to light up a Cuban cigar once in a while, Lola loved to host festive parties and make her guests from all walks of life feel welcome, cared for, and to remind them that the essence of life was about laughter, togetherness, and enjoyment of the moment. Her last famous bash was on the occasion of her 90th birthday, and came complete - per her request - with drag queen performers and a giant cake that she stepped out of to greet her several hundred guests. Lola’s strength, generosity, enduring positivity, and sense of humor provides a light for those who knew and loved her and for generations of her family to come.

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