Kathleen "Jill" Smith

Kathleen “Jill” Smith passed away surrounded by loved ones on the 2nd of April 2020. Jill was born June 28, 1938, in Clare, Michigan, the daughter of Lance and Kathleen (McFarlane) Thayer. She had two older brothers who predeceased her – Richard and Donald Thayer. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Ross of Phoenix, AZ. Jill graduated from Clare High School and attended Central Michigan University. Jill was married to the late Leo Smith of Clare Michigan. Leo and Jill knew each other in high school. Leo went into the Navy after graduation and returned to Clare after service. Leo and Jill reconnected at a dance. Leo proposed on their first date, but she held out for a few more dates before accepting his proposal. They married shortly after and moved to California where Leo attended California Polytechnic State University and Jill taught middle school students. They moved to Missouri followed by a few years in Wisconsin before returning to Clare. Jill became an Administrative Assistant for Central Michigan University and retired from the Clare County Department of Health and Human Services. Jill enjoyed reading, traveling, adventures, bird watching, mowing her yard, and mostly spending time with family and friends, especially on the front porch or in a good working bee. She was a gifted storyteller that relished in making her audience laugh so hard it hurt. Her family could listen to her stories again and again. Most recently Jill lived at Rosebush Manor whose team provided much appreciated support and care. Surviving Jill are her beloved children Lisa (David) Fitzgerald of Seneca Falls, NY; Steve (Bianca) Smith and Scott (Sheryl) Smith both from Clare, MI and Trent Smith of Bridgman, MI. Jill is also survived by several adoring grandchildren including Lisa’s children – Jacob (Nicole) Fitzgerald of Seattle, WA and Julia Fitzgerald of Seneca Falls, NY; Steve’s children – Costen (Amber) Smith of Comstock Park, MI; Cameron Smith and Mason Smith both of Clare, MI; Scott’s children – Mike Smith of Clare, MI and Tiffany (Avery) Gatchell of Powell, OH; Trent’s children – Elliot, Emma and Emelia all of Bridgman. She also was a fantastic Super-Gigi to great grandchildren Theodore (Teddy) and Caroline (Carly) Fitzgerald. She is survived by her best friend, Mary Cameron, and many other friends and wonderful in-laws, too numerous to list. A celebration of Jill’s life will be held at a future time, after the COVID-19 has cleared. Should friends and family desire, donations may be made to Clare Band Boosters as Jill loved playing in the band as well as listening to the bands play, especially the marching band, or the Alzheimer's Association. We remember their love, when they can no longer remember.

Kathleen "Jill" Smith

June 28, 1938 - April 2, 2020