February 21, 1927 ~ November 10, 2014
Helen May Smith, 87, of Essexville, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, November 10, 2014 at McLaren Bay Region.
Helen was born in Fowlerville on February 21, 1927, the fourth of nine children to the late Joseph and Mary (Hozsa) Lorencz. Helen graduated as valedictorian from Owendale High School. After graduation, she went to work in Detroit until returning to Bay City, where she met her future husband, Alger M. Smith at a wedding reception. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on June 16, 1951. Sadly, Alger preceded Helen in death after nearly fifty years of faithful marriage on April 3, 2000. Helen will forever be remembered as a loving mother, for her devotion to her entire family and for always caring for others before herself. She had a true love of gardening, canning and was an excellent cook. Her faithful and hardworking ways will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
Helen was the loving mother to two sons and two daughters who survive her passing, Thomas and wife, Katherine Smith of Bay City, Mary Smith, Jane and husband, George Weiler and Paul and wife, Jane Smith, all of Essexville. Helen was the beloved grandma of Tom (Stacy) Smith, Christine and husband, Ryan Taylor, Trevor Smith, Jordan Smith, Todd Weiler, Jeff Weiler, Janelle and husband, Sean Connaghan, Grant Smith, Patrick Smith and the great-grandma of Gage, Madison, and Landin Smith and Mitchell Taylor. Also surviving are her sisters, Betty and husband, Dick Binder, Nancy and husband, Ron Prokopenko, Kathleen “Jean” Lorencz, PhD.; sisters-in-law, Elaine Watson and Mary Lou Lorencz, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, Helen was welcomed home to heaven by many siblings and in-laws.
Helen’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:30 PM Vigil for the Deceased at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Friday, November 14, 2014, Helen will be taken to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist), 614 Pine St., Essexville, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of her 10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to be held in St. Patrick Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be directed to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission or Hidden Harvest. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Helen’s caregivers: Bonnie, Jan, Paula, Leann and Patti. We will be always grateful for their loving care that allowed Helen to remain in her home for the past seven months. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com
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Helen May Smith, 87, of Essexville, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, November 10, 2014 at McLaren Bay Region. Helen was born in Fowlerville on February 21, 1927, the fourth of nine children to the late Joseph and Mary (Hozsa) Lorencz. Helen graduated as valedictorian from Owendale High School. After graduation, she went to work in Detroit until returning to Bay City, where she met her future husband, Alger M. Smith at a wedding reception. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on June 16, 1951. Sadly, Alger preceded Helen in death after nearly fifty years of faithful marriage on April 3, 2000. Helen will forever be remembered as a loving mother, for her devotion to her entire family and for always caring for others before herself. She had a true love of gardening, canning and was an excellent cook. Her faithful and hardworking ways will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come. Helen was the loving mother to two sons and two daughters who survive her passing, Thomas and wife, Katherine Smith of Bay City, Mary Smith, Jane and husband, George Weiler and Paul and wife, Jane Smith, all of Essexville. Helen was the beloved grandma of Tom (Stacy) Smith, Christine and husband, Ryan Taylor, Trevor Smith, Jordan Smith, Todd Weiler, Jeff Weiler, Janelle and husband, Sean Connaghan, Grant Smith, Patrick Smith and the great-grandma of Gage, Madison, and Landin Smith and Mitchell Taylor. Also surviving are her sisters, Betty and husband, Dick Binder, Nancy and husband, Ron Prokopenko, Kathleen "Jean" Lorencz, PhD.; sisters-in-law, Elaine Watson and Mary Lou Lorencz, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, Helen was welcomed home to heaven by many siblings and in-laws. Helen's family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:30 PM Vigil for the Deceased at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Friday, November 14, 2014, Helen will be taken to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist), 614 Pine St., Essexville, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of her 10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to be held in St. Patrick Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be directed to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission or Hidden Harvest. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Helen's caregivers: Bonnie, Jan, Paula, Leann and Patti. We will be always grateful for their loving care that allowed Helen to remain in her home for the past seven months. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
One of my favorite aunts, she was a great person. I remember when she came to visit us and she helped me make stuffed cabbage. Then after all that work she showed me how to do it the simple way! Unstuffed cabbage! I still love that recipe! Rest in peace dear Aunt Helen. You will be missed by many. Sending hugs and much love to Mary, Tom, Jane, and Paul and the rest of her family.
Judi and John Stutzman
Mary,
So sorry to hear the passing of your mom, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Mom is at peace now in Gods hands.
Donna Zeilinger and Paul
Joyce B. LaGore purchased the Sweet Tenderness for the family of Helen May Smith.
To the whole Smith family, our sympathies. So sorry for your loss. Good that you all have your family around to share your sorrows. God Bless you all and surely she is enjoying her place with God.
Smith family,
So sorry to hear about your mother/grandmother. I was out of town and was unable to come to the funeral home. My condolences are with you all.
Take care,
Sue Hunter
So sorry to hear of the passing of Helen. Mom and I had fun playing cards and enjoying the desserts at St. Johns card party also studying the bible at the Binder home.