Saturday, April 1st, 2023
Linda Smith
It is with great sadness we share the passing of our loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Linda Carrol (Franke) Smith of Commerce Township, who passed away on March 21, 2023, after a short struggle with cancer.
Linda was born on October 1, 1941, in Celina, Ohio, to Herbert and Virginia (Baker) Franke of Fort Recovery, Ohio. She graduated from Fort Recovery High School where she met her future husband, Richard Smith. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan. Linda taught first grade for over 30 years at Keith and Oakley Park in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Linda married Richard Smith on June 29, 1963, and moved to Michigan where they both began their teaching careers. They raised their two children, Matthew and Jennifer Brooke, in Commerce Township.
After her retirement in 2010, Linda continued to be active in her church and maintained close relationships with her former colleagues. She was a caring and loving friend to many and was always willing to help others in their time of need. She loved her lakefront home and cherished hosting gatherings for family and friends, especially their annual Fourth of July celebration. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing games and completing puzzles in her free time. Wintering in Naples, Florida, each year of her retirement brought her joy. She looked forward to seeing special friends and sharing the sun and beach with her family.
Linda is survived by her husband, Richard, son Matthew (Carla) Smith and daughter Jennifer Brooke Smith. Linda was very proud of her five wonderful grandchildren. She always made time to make them feel special and loved. She will be missed dearly by Carter, Griffin and Jillian Smith, and Maxwell and Nicholas Stuber. Her brother, Steven, preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11 :00 am at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 2905 South Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI, 48390. Prior to the service, the family will host guests at 10:30 am.
Should you wish to make a donation, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Legacy Scholarship Funds (Smith Performing Arts Scholarship) 3095 South Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390, or Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church (Landscape Fund) 2905 South Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI, 48390.
