Anna "Marie" Proper-Smyczynski

Anna "Marie" Proper-Smyczynski, age 96, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Tawas City, Michigan. Marie was born on January 30, 1930, in Detroit MI, as the eldest daughter of her late parents Orval and Ruby (Tilton) Proper. At a young age, Marie's family moved to Tawas City, MI where she was raised on the corner of Lorenz & Townline Roads. Marie attended and graduated from East Tawas High School in June 1948.

On March 25, 1950, Marie married Chester Smyczynski, and they shared almost 76 years together. Marie & Chet remained in Tawas City where Marie earned her PHD in "Domestic Engineering", while raising their 5 children and maintaining the household. Once Marie's youngest was in school, she went to work at the Tawas Elementary School in the cafeteria, where she remained until retirement in 1986 at the young age of 56.

With retirement came travel and a move to Apache Junction, AZ, where Marie and Chet were able to purchase a home across the street from Marie's parents, who had moved there several years earlier. Besides playing Euchre, Marie enjoyed reading, quilting, walking and bowling on a league with her parents and husband. They were blessed to spend 18 years in Arizona making cherished memories which included caring for Marie's parents, until their passing. Marie and Chet returned "home" to Michigan in 2004 this time settling in East Tawas, where Marie embraced the digital age. She proudly learned to use a computer to stay connected with family through all-cap emails and social media. Until the day before she took ill, Marie continued to engage everyone with her steadfast personality of loving humor and wit.

As a young girl, Marie gave her life to the Lord and until her last breath she honored that commitment. In return, God blessed her with the gifts of gentle-wisdom and strong fortitude, but most importantly was how she loved others, especially her family. Marie

never met a stranger. Her arms would be stretched wide open for a hug, even before you made it through the door. Marie was a beautiful soul inside and out. Isaiah 61:3 "…he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In the righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory."

Marie leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that is carried on by her husband, Chester Smyczynski & children, Thomas (Elly) Smyczynski of Harrison, MI, Craig (Molly) Smithfield of Gilbert, AZ, Michael (Bernice) Smyczynski of Dewitt, MI, and Laura (Greg) Kendall of Tawas City, MI; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Stephen Smyczynski, grandsons Ryan Smyczynski and Travis Smyczynski, sister Shirley Stonehouse, and cherished pet Tico.

Marie's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Lakeview Manor of Tawas for all the loving care that she received over the past two years as a resident. Also, a special thank you to My Michigan Medical Center Tawas & Compassus Hospice of West Branch for the comfort and compassion shown to our mother during her last five days.

Per Marie's wishes, cremation has taken place, and her family will hold a private celebration of her life, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association of Michigan, in honor of her son Tom. (als.org)