Janet Lorraine Smith

Janet Lorraine Smith of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Avista Nursing and Rehab Center. She was 83 years old. Janet Lorraine was born on June 17, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Alfred J. and Alma (Fortier) Kennedy. As a young girl she attended catholic schools and St. Mary High School, proudly graduating from OMNI High School years later. She serendipitously met the love of her life, William Herbert Smith, through mutual friends – it was love at first sight. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage February 1, 1958, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Saginaw, Michigan; he preceded her in death on April 12, 1998. She worked for multiple Bingo Associations and absolutely loved playing Bingo, as well as going to the casino. Janet’s passion was baking, especially cakes, creating and designing some of the most beautiful and stunning cakes people had ever seen. The role she loved and cherished the most was to be a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Janet will forever be remembered for being a strong and brave soul, for the love and care she had for family and friends, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are three children: Lori Hemmingway of Saginaw; Joseph (Cindy) Smith of Saginaw; Anthony Smith of Germany; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a longtime dear friend, Jan Hoover. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Smith; son, Raymond Smith; five brothers and five sisters.

A Funeral Service will take place take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.