Jean F. Smithers

Some words of wisdom from the late Jean Smithers to her daughter Lisa, “Every Good Friday is followed by Easter Sunday. The sorrow and heaviness of the heart will be followed by joy and peace. Have patience, and remember that God will deliver on that promise.”

Jean F. Smithers, of Ubly, passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, April 3, 2022 while under the care of the wonderful staff at United Hospice Service of Marlette.

            Jean was born on January 30, 1940 in Lake Township to the late William and Florence Schramke. She began school in Pigeon, where she attended up until the fifth grade, which is when her family moved to Ubly. After the move, Jean met Thomas Smithers, who was to become her husband. The two were married on August 11, 1956, and would remain each other’s best friend for 49 years, until Thomas’ passing in 2005.

            Jean spent many years as a Catechism teacher and Director of Religious Education for St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ubly. She answered her calling to share the teachings of the Lord with great passion, dedication, and love. She helped plant the tiny mustard seed of faith in a child’s heart and she helped nurture it and watch it grow.

            Throughout Jean’s many wonderful years, there were many things that she enjoyed doing. She loved to play card games with friends and family, as well as write poetry, and watch her favorite games shows, along with Murder, She Wrote. Above all, however, was the enjoyment she felt when she spent time with family. Whether it was sharing meals and laughter with them, or attending the annual family reunion to catch up with all of the distant family members and many siblings, she did everything for her family.

            While her grandchildren were in school, Jean would host a weekly lunch date with them during their lunch breaks at school and she would attend every one of their sporting events or band concerts. While her grandson, Brandon, was playing football, she opened her home to the entire football team, providing them all with a meal and a place to connect with each other off the field. Many of her grandson’s teammates affectionately called her “Grandma Jean”.

            Jean is survived by her children: Pamela (Randy) Maurer, James (Karen Baran) Smithers, Gerald Smithers, Michael (Ann Braun) Smithers, and Lisa (Jeff) Lemke; 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; as well as her siblings: Marcia Glaza, Irene (John) Yeska, Judith (Duane) Nowaczyk, Ellen Jennings, William (Rita) Schramke, Alice (James) Larson, and Donald (Ann) Schramke.

            She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Smithers, her parents, William and Florence Schramke, brothers, Edwin and Richard Schramke, sister, Carol McCormick, great-grandson, Oliver Thomas Deacons, and brothers-in-law, Larry McCormick and Donald Glaza.

            Mass of Christian burial will be 2:00 pm Saturday, April 9 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ubly. Father Nate Harburg will officiate.

            Visitation will be on Saturday, April 9 at St. John’s Catholic Church from 12 noon until the service at 2:00 pm.

            The family has requested that donations in Jean’s honor be directed to United Hospice of Marlette.