Florence, or “Ginky” as she is fondly known by family and friends, went to be with the Lord on August 5, 2010. She was born 95 years ago on October 9, 1914, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Mamie and Harvey Gehman. She was raised in the strong Mennonite tradition with her dear siblings, Esther and Clayton. She graduated from West Chester State with a PE major and was captain of her field hockey and Basketball teams. She met the love of her life, Cyril D. Smith, while procuring teachers' group insurance from him. Cyril is now retired from Washington National Insurance Company as a vice president and they spent many happy winters in Naples, Florida and French Lick, Indiana. They married February 15, 1941, and celebrated their 69th anniversary this year. Florence cherished her husband and family and was a devoted home-maker. They resided in Wilmette for 49 years and have been in their cottage at Presbyterian Homes in Evanston for 9 years. Trinity United Methodist Church has been the center of their religious life together. Florence was one of the founding members of the sewing ministry 40 years ago, participated in guild activities, and delivered for Meals on Wheels. Skiing and tennis gave way to bowling and golfing leagues with Westmoreland and Wilmette Golf Club. She was a lively little dynamo in her day, but modeled humility, thankfulness and faith in the Lord all the days of her life. She is greatly missed by her family: Her devoted husband, Cyril D., their dedicated daughters, Sandra (Larry)Sinyard and Charlene (Jim) Washburn, loving grandsons, Robert (Amanda) Reed, Scott (Jill) Reed, Doug Washburn, and Scott Washburn, proud great grand grandchildren, Brandon, Samantha, Karissa, and Michelle Reed, and beloved niece, Andrienne Riviere and her son, James. Memorial Service Saturday, August 14, 3:00p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1024 Lake Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment private. Contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements under the direction of Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, Wilmette, IL, 847-251-8200.
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