Frances Marian Smith

Frances Marian Smith, age 88 of Pinckney passed away at her home on June 16, 2025.

She was born in DePue, Illinois on August 21, 1936 to her parents, the late Anna (Remkus) and Michael Bagdonas. She is the loving and devoted wife of 68 years to Gene Smith; loving mother of three children - Brenda (Robert) Whalen and Douglas (Reena) Smith; proud grandmother of Anthony (Stephanie) Whalen and great-grandmother of Winston Whalen and Vincent Whalen. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her sister Ruth (the late Curtis) Riffle. Fran is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is pre-deceased by her son Stephen Smith, her brother Michael Bagdonas and her sister Elaine (the late Gene) Brofka.

Fran grew up on the family farm in Custer, Michigan. She graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in Custer with the highest academic standing in her graduating class and ultimately earned her the honor of class valedictorian delivering the farewell address at the commencement ceremony. Both of her sisters were also class valedictorians. She attended Central Michigan University at Mt. Pleasant and earned her Secretarial Degree and later began employment with the Ford Motor Company in the Engineering Department reporting to the Chief Engineer. After that, she dedicated her life to being a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, gardening, crafting and cooking. Fran also participated in bowling leagues and playing in card clubs with her many friends.

For over thirty years, Fran and Gene were members of the Livonia Historical Society. They also volunteered at Greenmead Historical Park with various duties. They enjoyed traveling with their family and had been to 49 States. They also traveled to parts of Canada, Mexico and Scotland.

Fran and Gene were members at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Detroit for four years. She was a member of Newburg United Methodist Church in Livonia, Michigan for 36 years. After moving to Howell, Fran had been an active member of Arise – A United Methodist Church in Pinckney, Michigan for 25 years. Fran and Gene served on two mission trips to Costa Rica.

The depth of love and happiness Frances shared with all who knew and loved her will forever remain in our hearts.

All are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life for Frances on Saturday, August 2, 2025 beginning at 1:00 P.M. at Arise United Methodist Church, 11121 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney, Michigan 48169.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Frances Marian Smith are invited to consider a contribution to Arise United Methodist Church.