Although she now lives in Friday Harbor, Louise Smith will always be known as an Orcas Islander.

Since she moved to the island in 1988, her home on Rosario Road was a hub of activity, hosting many island groups, including the “hard of hearing” organization that she helped establish.

“For years, islanders enjoyed driving by to see the thousand or so Easter Eggs that Rosario neighbors helped each year to hang in the trees along Rosario Road,” Smith said.

She was also active in the garden club, the Circle of Spirit, and a memoir writers group.

The well-loved islander is turning 90 years old on April 22, and her many friends are invited to a celebration and finger food potluck at the Deer Harbor Community Club from 5 to 7 p.m. Smith’s children and grandchildren, coming from as far away as Georgia and Pennsylvania, will also be in attendance.

Smith was “born, reared, and educated” in Houston, Texas. She married Lee Dolphia Harmes in 1939, and the couple had three children. In 1960, they moved to Ft. Collins, Colo. and later Bryn Mawr, Pa. She married George Smith in 1982.

Smith says that after losing her fortune in the “dot-com bubble crash,” she moved to Friday Harbor, where she lives in the Gerard Park Senior Community.

“Thanks to local doctors like Stan Williams, Burk Gossom and Michael Wingren, and truly loving care at Islands Convalescent Center on several occasions, my 90-year-old body continues to function remarkably well, though I am quite ready to ‘lay it down’ at any time!” she said.

Smith’s dearest friend is Wynne Higgins, who met her on the first day she moved to Orcas.

“Wynne remained my housekeeper and gardener until I sold my home,” she said. “And she is still my primary caregiver, friend and confidante.”

Wynne calls Smith “a truly remarkable and kind human being.”

The 90-year-old firecracker spends a lot of time on her computer, keeping in touch with friends on Facebook and sending emails.

“All things considered, life is good!” she said.