Nancy J Smith

Okemos, Michigan

Age 88, passed away on June 13, 2013 at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility in Okemos, MI.

Nancy was born on July 29, 1924 in Lansing, Michigan, daughter of Genevra (Parker) Thompson and Robert Underhill Thompson. She graduated in 1942 from Central High School in Lansing, MI and attended Michigan State College until 1944, when she enrolled in the Navy WAVES and became a nurse aide in San Diego, CA.

She was honorably discharged on April 8, 1946.

Nancy’s career began at Lansing’s GM Oldsmobile plant where she was an office clerk while attending college. After the Navy, she was a secretary at what is now Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC. From there she became an executive secretary for the Dean of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University and subsequently served in the same capacity for the Dean of the Department of Psychiatry until she retired from MSU in 1989.For many years Nancy was an active member and officer of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Lansing and a former member of the Lansing Junior League and the Lansing Jug ’N Mug Ski Club. She was previously active with Plymouth Congregational Church. An avid nature lover, she enjoyed downhill skiing, gardening, bird-watching, animals, exploring country roads and spending time at the family cottage on Opal Lake in Gaylord. She liked cats, playing bridge, crocheting, jewelry-making and crafts. She traveled to England and Aspen, CO.

Nancy was preceded in death by both parents and brother-in-law, Robert Abbott. Nancy is survived by her sister, Anne (Steketee) Abbott, children Susan Woods (John) Trobec of Okemos, MI and Scott Smith of Lansing, MI, grandchildren Joseph (Rebecca) Smith, Gregory Smith and Elizabeth Woods, and great-grandchildren Wyatt and Emma Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., July 20, 2013 at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ingham County Medical Care Facility Foundation, 3860 Dobie Rd., Okemos, MI 48864 in memory of Nancy Smith.

Online condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com