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Janet Smith

December 19, 2021
Ann Arbor, MI

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Janet "Jace" Elaine Smith (Crothers), 69, of Ann Arbor, passed away from cancer December 19, 2021 with her family by her side. She was born March 5, 1952 to the late George and Violet Crothers in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Janet graduated high school in 1970 at East Grand Rapids High. After receiving her Bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, she became a Medical Technologist at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, where she worked for 40 years. She married Michael Smith in 1976 and they had two daughters whom they taught to work hard and love even harder. Janet touched many people throughout her life. To know her was to love her. She brightened every scene she was involved in; even hard times were made bearable by her presence. She had an extremely generous soul, giving her all to her family, friends, and those in need. She had a passion for hosting holidays, birthdays and special occasions. Detail-oriented, she believed a home should be one's sanctuary, so she made hers just that. Janet made everyone she came in contact with feel special, as she was forgiving, loving, and kind. She was a gentle soul, yet intensely empathetic. She was known by many to be the rare good listener who never burdened others with her problems, even through her battle with cancer. Her remarkable strength was apparent throughout her life, and demonstrated by her passion for running and participation in several marathons, half marathons, and the annual Old Kent River Bank 25k run in Grand Rapids. In retirement, she spent precious time in the Chicago area visiting and playing with her young grandchildren. Her time at home with her beloved husband Mike was often spent reading quietly, discussing the news, holding hands and laughing together as they watched their favorite sitcoms. She was a nature lover who walked daily along the Huron River. She was also fond of walking beaches, be it the rocky shores of Lake Superior hunting for agates or leisurely strolls along the boardwalks of California's Pacific coast. Janet remained active throughout her battle, refusing to give up her daily walks, a true measure of her enduring strength. Janet is survived by her husband, Mike, her daughters, Megan (Dan) Jimenez of Los Angeles, California, and Kirstin (Andy) Gallas of Lake Forest, Illinois, her grandchildren, Nora and Patrick, her sister, Barbara (Dave) Schumacher, and several nieces and nephews. Janet was predeceased by her beloved sister, Cheryl Walbaum in 2020. During her 2.5 year battle with cancer, she was very grateful for her care team at St. Joe. The medical professionals that treated her went above and beyond to ensure she had the best quality of life even at the very end. This past year she found a friend in the Stephen Ministry at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, Jean Wong, who provided much comfort by being a good listener. Her family thanks the hospice team at St. Joe for helping her transition peacefully. Janet generously supported cancer research and the Humane Society. Donations may be made to such causes. In celebration of her 70th birthday, a memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor on March 5th, 2022 at 1pm. Masks are required. Love you, completely forever.