Mary Therese Lucy (Smith) French

Lansing, Michigan.  Born May 23, 1928 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania daughter of the late George and Lucy (Yetter) Smith went to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at age 93.

Surviving are children, Mary Ann French Humble and James M. (Susan) French; daughter-in-law, Roberta French; grandchildren, Nicholas (Amber Feldhauser) French, Melissa French, Danielle (Terry) Vaughn, Chris Humble, Megan (Steve) Smith, Mallory (Byron) VanWagoner, Molly French, JerriKaye (Tracy) Troutner, Ricky (Tesia) Hinken, and Karen (Chad) Latimer; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Ava, Aaliyah, Jada, Josiah, Jeremiah, Connor, Lydia, Nora, Liam, Elliete, Terrence, Emiley, Alex, Roman, Isabella, Owen, Emma, Ava, Uriah, Anya, Sophia, Chandler, and Hunter; great-great-grandchildren, Arabella and Kaiser along with many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Mary Therese was preceded in death by her husband, John C. French; sons, John French and Neil (Kathy) French; and her seven brothers, John, Harry, Thomas, Robert, Jerry, James, and Joey Smith.

She was a devout Catholic having been a member of Church of The Resurrection while in Lansing and St. Charles Catholic Church while in Coldwater.  She was a graduate of Steelton High School in Steelton, PA and attended and received many certifications from L.C.C.  Mary Therese worked in central supply at Sparrow Hospital for years.  She enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture, volunteering to drive people to Dr.’s appointments, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a wonderful mother and grandmother.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Steve Mattson at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December, 16, 2021 at Church of The Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.  The family will receive guests at the Church on Thursday for one hour prior to the Funeral Mass.  Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on Friday, December 17th at 11:00 a.m.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions, in loving memory of Mary Therese, to St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt.

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8 Messages to “Mary Therese Lucy (Smith) French

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Marilee Soltis
December 13, 2021 at 8:48 am

Mary was a gentle caring soul with a great work ethic. I remember her so well when she worked Central Supply. & I was a nurse at Sparrow. Am sure she has earned her Rest In Peace. May the Angels welcome you to Paradise Mary

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ECHRS
December 13, 2021 at 11:53 am

Sending our condolences from the staff at ECHRS

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Cindi Currie
December 13, 2021 at 2:04 pm

I remember Mary when she was at Church of the Resurrection – a sweet and spunky lady. May she rest in peace.

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Jim French
December 15, 2021 at 7:49 am

What can be said about a truly remarkable Mom as I have had, actually, there would be too much to account for here so I will convey what she meant to me in a rather succinct manner. Mom taught me so many things that many of which I still hold in my heart to this very day and the rest of my days here they will remain. The things that she taught me I have sometimes failed at but I have never failed to keep trying, as she would have wished. She taught me to always to treat people with kindness and care, it doesn’t cost you anything and you never know what change that may bring upon someone’s life. She taught me to always be on time for the important moments in life – church, work, and generally anything that is important to you – it reflects who you are in manner and thought. She taught me to love truly and deeply with all of my heart, whether it was family, hobbies or pets – you loved them to the best of your ability. She taught me from a very young age to believe in Jesus even though I had hard time understanding something that I couldn’t see or feel… she gave me the time to realize that not everything is immediate to ones senses allowing me to grow with my relationship with our lord and savior at my own pace… I am now fully aware that Jesus is in control and for that I am forever grateful, just as I will be forever grateful for having the Mom that I was blessed with.

I will miss her every day until the time that we will see each other again and rejoice with others in paradise. I would want her to know that I truly did recognize every sacrifice that she made for my siblings and myself, often doing much with very little for resources – watching my 10 year old self playing baseball – I having grandkids now, I understand what an exercise in futility that can be – going to watch me at marching band practice and many
times in the rain and really too many things to mention. I am so very blessed and I will always keep her in my heart.

Love for today, Live for tomorrow – and if tomorrow never comes, you will have loved and been loved by all that is most precious to you…. in the big picture, I doubt anyone can ask for more.
Love You Mom, I’ll be along in a bit – Jimmy

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Gary A Smith
December 15, 2021 at 11:44 am

MaryAnn and Jimmy,
Although it’s been a rough year, your Mother’s passing marks the end of a generation. She was a wonderful lady, and Godmother to my twin brother Brian, and I. When we entered our 60’s she still sent us birthday cards, and called to tease us about old age. Aunt Mary touched thousands of lives, and all will remember her true spirit of Christianity. In this Christmas season, we will remember the twinkle in her eyes, and kindness in her heart. John and Neil will have an Angel for company.
Gary Smith
Cousin
Harrisburg PA

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Jim French
December 15, 2021 at 1:36 pm

Thank you Gary,

That means everything to us – she was a great Mom and all around fantastic woman – they don’t make them like her anymore.

God Bless,
Jimmy

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Susan French
December 15, 2021 at 1:01 pm

Mary was a wonderful, fun and loving mother-in-law. We had a very close relationship and I will cherish the memories forever.

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Kris
January 8, 2022 at 10:18 am

I’ll never forget the day Mary and I decided to
go swinging on a swing set. Outta nowhere I took a spill! We both couldn’t believe it! I wound up being fine and we had a great laugh! The lesson for me is hold on tightly, don’t take anything for granted, and enjoy the ride!
Until we meet again my friend, I’ll hang on to all the memories of you, especially, of you laughing. I’ll cherish all of the sweet cards you gave me, and I’ll continue being thankful I was blessed with knowing such a kind-hearted, fun-loving soul.
My condolences to everyone affected by this
tremendous loss.

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