Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea

214 E. Middle St.

Chelsea, Michigan

Virginia Smith Obituary

Smith, Virginia M. Chelsea, Michigan Age 94, died Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Whitehall in Ann Arbor. She was born July 4, 1920 in Milan, Michigan, the daughter of James & Edna (Boldt) Taylor. Virginia loved bingo, and planting flowers. The focus of her life was her family. She helped raise her grandchildren while her daughters worked. On May 17, 1940, she married Harry L. Smith, and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2002. Survivors include 2 daughters, Kathy (Elliezer) Freyre of Chelsea, Wendy Gerstler of Chelsea; two sons-in-law, Bill Redfern of Dundee, Daniel Gerstler of Chelsea; 5 grandchildren, Chad (Kristie) Freyre, Nicole (Kevin) Hirzel, Adam (Cara) Gerstler, Scott Redfern, and Steve (Laurie) Redfern; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Sharon Redfern, Dianne Smith, and her brother, Elwood Taylor. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 6, 2:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Joe Jeffreys officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until the service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dundee in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Smith

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

February 6, 2015

Wendy, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. A sweet lady, one that I had the privilege of knowing. Cherish the memories and know that heaven has gained another angel. God Bless you and the Smith family.

Brian Arnett

February 3, 2015

Kathy, Wendy and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Virginia was a wonderful neighbor, the best I have ever had. My children and I have many fond memories of her, and were lucky to have known her. You are all in our thoughts~

Paul, Zach, Dylan, and Alyssa Reynolds

Helen Boyle

February 3, 2015

I'm sorry to say goodbye to Grandma Smith. She was always one of my favorite ladies and friends!! We were blessed to have her as an adopted Grandma for so many years living right next door. Even though I moved away I still, to this day, have wonderful happy memories of our time together and thoughts of her bring a smile to my face every time I think of her. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Helen, Zachary, Dylan and Alyssa.

Carol (Gerstler) Efrusy

February 3, 2015

Wendy, Kathy and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Virginia was a wonderful lady who I feel privileged to have known. May you hold many sweet memories in your heart and may God bless you with comfort and peace at this time.

Joyce (Mock) Duncan

February 2, 2015

Kathy, sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.

February 2, 2015

Kathy, I was so sorry to read about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to your whole family.

Marilyn Miller Fisher

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Virginia Smith's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Virginia Smith

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea

214 E. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118

How to support Virginia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Virginia Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more