Maleiha Lei Lee Garcia-Smith

Maleiha Lei Lee Garcia Smith

August 7, 1999 – July 5, 2025

Maleiha was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 7, 1999 to Ray Barry Smith and Shalawn Lynette Garcia. She was raised in Elk Grove, California and was baptized in 2008 by Bishop Sherwood Carthen of Bayside of South Sacramento Church (BOSS). Throughout her life, Maleiha nurtured her passion for environmental stewardship. She planted her first tree as a teenager with Sacramento’s Green Technical Education program (GTECH). She was also active in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program (STEM) at Franklin High School in Elk Grove. It was through her volunteerism in GTECH and the Sacramento Youth Engagement Program internship that she co-produced an educational video on greenhouse gas causes. In 2017, she helped plant GTECH's first apricot tree at the urban farm. She assisted in building 25 solar suitcases which were sent to clinics in Haiti and to maternal doctors in Cameroon to provide basic lighting for essential procedures and childbirth. Maleiha participated in an internship with AIM Consulting, during which she interviewed Sacramento’s mayor, Darrell Steinberg, about the city’s Climate Action Plan. At age 16, she attended the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, gaining early insights into policymaking within the Black community. One of her most memorable moments in her teens was attending President Barack Obama’s inauguration and planting a spruce tree during the National Day of Service, embodying her commitment to service and civic pride. In 2022, Maleiha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from San Jose State University (SJSU). She lived in San Jose, California, from 2017 until her passing. As an environmental scientist with Veolia Corporation, Maleiha specialized in waste management and the safe disposal of hazardous chemicals. She was known for her integrity, collaborative spirit, and dedication to sustainability initiatives that positively impacted communities and ecosystems. Her work reflected her unwavering commitment to environmental justice and responsible stewardship. Beyond her civic, community, and professional endeavors, Maleiha volunteered with Fishers of Men and other programs supporting the unhoused, demonstrating her compassionate heart and desire to serve others in the greater Sacramento area. She played varsity high school basketball as center, proudly wearing number 32, and tried her hand at golf. While at SJSU, she was on the archery team. She followed closely behind her father and grandmother in the kitchen, cooking delicious meals. She liked learning gardening and making preserves with her grandmother, SheRee. Maleiha also enjoyed traveling frequently with her mother to many beautiful destinations, including Canada, Yucatán, Jamaica, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Washington DC, New Orleans, Houston, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Seattle, Mazatlán, the Grand Cayman, and Puerto Vallarta. She found joy in exploring new places and creating memories with loved ones. She was also known for her love of gaming. She frequently hosted game nights with her friends at the Guild House in San Jose. Maleiha is survived by her mother, Shalawn Garcia; her father, Ray Smith (Anita); grandmother SheRee Garcia-Gates, grandfather Rodney Garcia, step-grandfather James Gates, sister Jaleiha Joseph, brother David Joseph; Aunts Bennie Jones, Carole Hollis, Margie Jones, Margaret Smith, Johanna Smith, and Viola Smith; Uncles Larry Smith, Harry Smith, and Jonathan Smith; Cousin Deborah Green, Rachel Green, Anthony Smith, Michael Miller and many other relatives in Houston and Philadelphia along with friends who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Betty Mae Smith. Her legacy is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Maleiha had a heartfelt commitment to environmental justice and leadership, and her ability to inspire others will be remembered always. Her life’s journey and family influences serve as an enduring example of how a young woman can shape a better planet through living an intentional and meaningful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Maleiha Garcia-Smith has requested donations to her scholarship fund.

Maleiha's Scholarship Fund: https://bold.org/funds/maleiha-lei-lee-garcia-smith/