Obituary of Laura Wiener-Smolka

Laura Wiener-Smolka, 71, beloved mother, grandmother, and wife passed away on Thanksgiving, November 26, 2020 in San Jose, California. Laura is survived by her two children; Julie Neff, Marc Wiener, and their spouses, Tom and Sherry. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Jessica, McKenna, Mason, Ryland, and Emily. Laura is survived by her husband, Donald Smolka, brother Marc, and sisters, Michele and Linda (her twin sister); along with many nieces and nephews. Laura was born a fraternal twin in Oakland, California in 1948. She grew up in Brisbane, California and attended Jefferson High School in Daly City, Ca. In her younger years, Laura was adventurous, enthusiastic about anything she loved, and even became the President of the Ricky Nelson Fan Club. Laura worked for San Benito High School as the Superintendent’s Assistant for 25 years. She loved working with the staff, teachers, and students. She made a difference in all that she did. Laura was an amazing mother and grandmother. She took great pride in gardening, and giving her family the gift of healthy, organic meals. She was a gifted gardener. Laura was passionate about horses. She loved Lipizzaners, and started her own business selling and breeding these horses she adored so much. Laura met a love like no other the day her Lipizzaner Stallion, Maestoso II Sabrina came into her life…also known as “Smokey.” She always felt that he was her soul mate in this life. Laura would light up when foals were born on the ranch. This was her calling and love. She was a passionate member and officer for the United States Lipizzan Registry for many years. After a full day of work at SBHS, she devoted her time to the horses, and tending to her beloved ranch. Laura taught so much to those of us lucky to have known her, including her children, who she taught the value of aspiring to do their best in all endeavors. She lived life to the fullest. Laura loved to have fun, and her creative mind never slowed down. She enjoyed doing projects with her grandchildren, and baking amazing birthday cakes. Laura had a spiritual way of knowing what everyone needed. She was a kind soul, a giving soul, and would rise above life’s struggles and show amazing grit. Laura was a warrior as she pushed through debilitating pain in her final years of life. She was an advocate for people and organizations she loved. Our beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and aunt will be missed beyond words. She is riding her beautiful Stallion, Smokey, pain free, in the clouds of heaven. Pending service detail and information.......