Jean Marie Smith

Known as Grandma Smith by many, Jean Marie Smith, born in Eden, New York, was the second daughter of Marie Swieczkowski. As soon as she graduated from high school in 1964, she accepted a secretarial position with the U.S. Navy and moved to Washington D.C. There she met her future husband Jim. They married in 1966. They moved to East Lansing, Michigan in 1968 where they raised their three sons. Jean and Jim’s loving relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them as a couple.

Jean and her husband Jim have been married for 54 years and were blessed with 3 boys: Jeff (Karyn), Doug (Kristi) and Mike (Katie); grandchildren: Lauren (John), Eric, Jacob (Liz), Justin, Anna, Kevin, Lydia, Norah, and 8-month-old Baileigh.

In addition to raising three boys she found time for a career as a secretary for two State Senators, worked for the Senate Fiscal Agency; was a member of the association management team for Publicom; earned a degree from Michigan State University, and enjoyed fifteen years as a substitute elementary school teacher for the East Lansing Public Schools.

Family and friendships were the core of Jean’s life. She gave unconditional love and taught everyone the power of family, love, and fellowship. Tuesday nights were special in the Smith household, as Frandor Deli pizza night parties were open to anyone available to attend, and were filled with laughter, kindness, and sincere interest in the happenings and events in each person’s life.

Her love of God, Mickey Mouse, MSU, live theater, and great deals was well known by all who knew her and has inspired similar passions in her children and grandchildren. Family trips, endless hockey rink excursions, traveling the countryside finding hidden gems, and annual visits to the Happiest Place on Earth created cherished and lasting memories. Jean was one of those special people who was always present…totally engaged in the conversation she was having, making each person feel valued and loved. Her inclusive nature built a family much greater than those who shared her name.

Jean fought Leukemia (A.L.L.) for two and a half years and the family owes a debt of gratitude to the dedicated medical team at the Women and Children’s Cancer Center at the University of Michigan Hospital. This extension of life allowed her to enjoy the weddings of Mike and Katie, Lauren and John, and to see the birth of her youngest grandchild, Baileigh. We also appreciate the strong support given to Jean by Katie and Annie from Elara Caring during her time at home in Hospice Care.

Jean was preceded in death by her mother, Marie; her mother and father-in-law, Wilma and John Smith, her brother Albert, and brother-in-law Craig Smith.

Jean’s family is planning a celebration of life at a later date because of Covid-19.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jean’s memory can donate to the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center in her name.