Nov. 1, 1932 — Feb. 29, 2016

Marilyn Jean (Staley) Smith, 83, of South Bend, Indiana, formerly of Buchanan, Michigan, passed away surrounded by loved ones in her home after a short illness on Friday, April 29, 2016.

Marilyn was born on November 1, 1932 in Dowagiac, MI to Rex and Gale (Beeching) Staley. She graduated from Dowagiac High School and on October 24, 1953, Marilyn married Bill Smith.

Marilyn was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She was a gentle and sweet woman and was loved by all. Marilyn inherited the love for shopping from her mother Gale and passed this trait on to her daughter Judy. Marilyn supported Bill in his love for racing spending many good times at the track. They also loved to ride their motorcycle and snowmobiles with friends. Marilyn also enjoyed traveling with her girlfriends. She was the type of person who always wanted everyone to be happy and never made waves. She will truly be missed by all that knew and loved her, she was a very special lady.

Marilyn was the Stark Elementary School secretary for nearly 30 years remembering students throughout the years until her passing.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Judy Lukasiewicz and her husband Tom, which Marilyn thought of as her own son. She is also survived by her loving brother Roger Staley of Dowagiac, Michigan, brother-in-law Lanny (Shirley) Smith of McDonald, TN and nieces and nephews, as well as many special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, also at Hoven Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Refuge in South Bend, Indiana or the Buchanan American Legion. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

 

My Lifetime Wish

If I could have a lifetime wish,

A dream that would come true

I’d pray to God with all my heart 

For yesterday and you

A thousand words can’t bring you

Back, 

I know because I’ve tried,

And neither will a million tears, 

I know because I’ve cried

You left behind my broken heart,

And happy memories too.

But, I never wanted memories

I only wanted you.