Helen Smith

SHEFFIELD — Helen Marie Smith passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

She was born Feb. 18, 1936, in Kewanee to Dr. Otis Beryl and Helen (Eipper) Giltner. She graduated from Sheffield High School. She briefly attended Mary Crest College in Davenport, Iowa, before marrying the love of her life, Wendell Smith, on Jan. 29, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church in Sheffield.

Marie worked as special ed preschool aide and a medical receptionist after their kids were all in school. She enjoyed sewing and cross stitching particularly for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marie and Wendell loved to travel. Their journeys took them to six continents and to all 50 states. Marie and Wendell have a wonderful family that are all very successful. Marie dearly loved them all and they were a constant source of pride.

Marie is survived by her loving husband, Wendell; her six children, including Loren (Janiece) Smith, Victoria (William) Iannazzi, Jeffry (Anne) Smith, Brian (Mary) Smith, Keith (Darla) Smith and Kelly Smith. She has 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The most enriching part of her life was the love she gave and received from her family. She was happiest spending time with her family. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she took extreme pleasure in all their accomplishments. She was the most loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Moreover, she was a dedicated friend to all who knew her. She truly enjoyed her life and always expressed gratitude to all who were part of it. Marie always put others before herself.

There will be a Mass of celebration of Marie’s life at St. Patrick’s Church in Sheffield at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16. Interment will follow at the Catholic cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please have donations sent to the MS Society or a charity of your choice.

For more information, call the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit www.slmcfh.com.