Submitted by: Dan Rich

Judith Ann Smith

June 8, 1944 - Sept. 14, 2008

South Bend Tribune 9/17/2008
MISHAWAKA - Judith Ann Smith, 64, is now at rest after a year-long battle with cancer. Judy peacefully left this Earth on Sunday, Sept 14th, at 8:40 p.m. with her family by her side. Judy was born June 8th, 1944, in Sullivan, IN, to Bill and June Baize of Mishawaka. Judy graduated Penn High School, class of 1962. On September 29th, 1962, Judy was married to her lifelong and high school sweetheart, Gale L. Smith, a retired Mishawaka fireman. Judy and Gale raised two loving children, Kristina Smith, health aide for St. Joseph Hospital, and Gregory Smith, a teacher and football coach at Mishawaka High School. Judy was a loving daughter, a wonderful wife, a caring and nurturing mother, a sweet and sensitive sister, and a caring and compassionate grandmother. Judy was a loving homemaker while also working for the family business, Parkway Lanes, as a bookkeeper. Judy loved to sing and to help other people. Judy made everyone feel special with the kindness of her words and a very compassionate heart. Judy always had time to listen, talk and help. Judy's tenderness and compassion was well-known to everyone who knew her. Judy always saw the good in everyone and everything around her.

She leaves to cherish her memory a very close and loving family: her loving husband of 46 years, Gale Smith; her daughter, Kristina Smith; son, Gregory S. Smith, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn A. Smith; her loving parents, Bill and June Baize; her sisters, Winnie Minor and Patricia Baize; three grandchildren, Kyle Smith, Mason G. Smith and Kaden M. Smith; three nephews, Todd Young, Michael Castellon and Sam Baize; two nieces, Angela Burkhardt and Tonya McGowen. Awaiting her arrival will be her loving brother, Steve Baize, her father and mother-in-law, Ruth and Cleo Wagner. Judy's love for the Lord and passion for life will keep her memory alive. Judy loved her family and friends, music, children and helping others. She was very proud of her family and never knew a stranger. Judy was a kind and gentle soul who is now walking amongst the angels in heaven. Her presence on this Earth will be greatly missed and always remembered by everyone who knew her.