Betty "Liz" Jean Smith

Liz (Betty Jean Smith) was born in Los Angeles, California on March 4, 1950 to Arthur and Fan Smith. She had a sister, Carol, 5 years older. She grew up in a Marine Corps family. For a year, when she was 5, her family lived in Fredericksburg, VA. But mostly she was a California girl.

She was educated in the San Diego school system. During this time, she learned to read and write, and participated in many activities through ARC and the San Diego Regional Center. She bowled, went on camping outings in the nearby Palomar Mountains (Camp-A-Lot), performed in musical productions, participated in the Special Olympics, and much more. When she was 12, she went to St. Vincent’s boarding school in Santa Barbara for a year. There, the nuns changed her name to Elizabeth (but not legally) to help her feel more grown up.

When she was 18, Liz began living in a group home near her parents. Subsequently she spent her years in San Diego in other homes, always keeping in contact with her parents. One home of note took their residents on several trips. She enjoyed visiting San Francisco, Hawaii, and England with them. She also participated in several workshops and day programs in San Diego. Liz sang in several choirs and participated in many different projects and activities.

She was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in San Diego. Many of St. Mark’s members were like family to Liz. After her mother passed away, she moved to Michigan in 2008 to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Stan Zimny, and their family, in and near Rochester. Her father remained in San Diego. Liz lived at Hidden Lane Group Home in White Lake, and attended Lahser II Pre Vocational Workshop in Davisburg, then Clarkston. She also belonged to Woodside Bible Church in White Lake, and enjoyed many friendships and events there.

In 2011, Liz’ father, Arthur, was able to move to Rochester, so Liz was able to see him again for a short while, which meant so much to them both…a wonderful reunion.

Liz passed away June 10, 2020, at Genesys Hospital, with family by her side, from with pneumonia.

She will miss being with her many group home and workshop friends and staff, who made her life a better place. She will also miss her niece, Jennifer DeLong (Doug) and nephew, Matthew (Darlene) Zimny, and their children, Natalie and Katie DeLong, and Alexis and Maria Zimny, who she was so lucky to have in her life.

Due to current health concerns, services will be held at a later date.

Please contact Carol Zimny (zladders@comcast.net) for further updates.