Grace Smith

Grace A. Smith of Chicago passed away peacefully Friday June 7, at St. Joseph’s Village. Called
to heaven on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day of what we are all about…Love, love,
love. Graces’ love, her foundation and connection to the Lord, her family, friends and the world.
Preceded in death by her devoted husband Charles Smith (2007). her parents Herbert and
Florence Flentye, her loyal sister Lois White (Bill), and loving brother Thomas Bush. Her son Tom preceded her death merely 30 days prior to her own.
Grace is survived by loving children, sons Chuck(Sandy), Bob (Lori), Michael (Robin) her daughters Annie Klimczak (the late Matt) Kathy and Lisa P, who was like a daughter. Also survived by her dedicated brother Herbert Flentye (Bernadene). Grace was a proud grandmother and fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She had remained in her home during all her seniors years because of the great cared from her loving daughter Kathy and son Tom who preceded her death in April 2024.
Grace’s Catholic faith and love for the Lord was a constant throughout her life. Her strong faith
and unwavering trust in the Lord and our beloved Mother Mary served as an example to all who
knew her. She shined Gods light through the example she set as a devoted Christian. Watching
mass daily on EWTN and praying the rosary. Her refuge and foundation to sustain her through
numerous days she called upon the Lord to carry her and turned to the gracious Virgin Mary for
protection and intercession. Requesting mercy to remove her angst, Grace compassionately felt
not only her pain, but the pain of others. It was often, she would request to the Holy Queen to shine her eyes of mercy and remove the angst that was a shadow in her life on so many days.
Her admiration for our Mother Mary was deep-rooted in her life. Her connection to Our Lady of
Grace drawn ever closer at the loss of her son Tom. Grace found it unfathomable that at the age
of 94, she would part this earthly world to eternal life having experienced the suffering and
weeping from the loss of her child. She called upon Virgin Mary to intercede for her with this
anguish and distress. Through prayer, Grace found the strength to continue her physical rehab
and convalescing so she could return to her home. Repeating to herself words of encouragement Kathy had given her, “ If God brought you to it, He will get you through it”
She did return home and spent nine good days in her home nurtured and cared for by her daughter.
Sadly, her days back home, way too short. An infection on June 1st sent her back to the ER and a return to St. Josephs. At the hospital she agreed she would need to return to St. Josephs Village to gain strength and recuperate. She found solace knowing she’d be cared for by St. Joes staff. Grace had developed relationships and called the staff “her friends” during her previous stay. She felt a special appreciation for the entire staff at St. Josephs for providing the care and love she needed. They were there for her, in her life and death. The Smith Family is forever grateful.
Grace will be remembered for her steadfast love of the Lord, deep connection to Mother Mary
and the unfaltering love for her family. The thousands of Hail Mary’s and novenas she petitioned
on our behalf. The late night long phone calls shared with friends and family. Her insistence to
“make sure you call when you get home, ring the phone once”. The old country western music
she enjoyed. The fun memories of shared vacations at Piels Island Lodge and the cottage in
McHenry. Speaking her mind. The helpful generosity she extended countless times to many.
Frequent donations to Catholic school fundraising efforts, parish collections, contributions to
your education funds, and of course, providing the funds you needed to have your car repaired
so you would not miss work!
Forever in our hearts. You will be missed by many.