Obituaries

Nancy Faye Smith, age 73, of Hessel, Michigan, died on November 5, 2025, in St. Ignace,
Michigan. She was born on September 2, 1952, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Fred Howard
and Frances Marian (Causley) Smith.

Nancy grew up in Hessel and St. Ignace, Michigan, where her life was surrounded by family,
friends, and the beauty of the Upper Peninsula she loved so much. She was deeply loved by her
family and will be remembered for her kind heart, her laughter, and her joyful spirit.

Nancy enjoyed spending time at the casino, listening to music, and singing along to her favorite
songs. She also loved coloring pictures, making jewelry for friends and family, flipping through
magazines, singing, and sharing family dinners and get-togethers for birthdays and Christmas.
Those moments—filled with love, laughter, and togetherness—brought her the greatest joy.
She will be forever missed by her family and friends, who will cherish the many memories they
shared with her.

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Maggie Rounds and Betty Smith both of Hessel; brother, Fred
Smith of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Fred & Frances; siblings, Mary (Bill) Albert,
Frances (Tony) Hamel, Bev (“Buddy”) LaFrenier, Becky Smith, Patty (Mike) Chambers;
brothers-in-law, Henry Rounds and Ken Ermatinger; and nephews, Tony “Chito” Hamel and
Paul LaFrenier.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Heidi, Nicole, Brandi, and all those who
cared for Nancy over the years. Your care and compassion were truly unwavering, and your
kindness brought comfort to her and her loved ones.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on November 14, 2025, from 12:00 Noon till 1:00 PM, at the
Tribal Health Center, 3355 N. 3 Mile Rd, Hessel, MI 49745. Services will follow at 1:00 PM.

Nancy will be buried at the Italian Cemetery in Hessel next to her parents. The family invites
everyone to join them after for a luncheon and share memories of Nancy.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Bay Human Services – Portage House - W568 Old
Portage Trail, St. Ignace, MI 49781

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may
be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.