Michael T. Smith

Visitation for Michael Terry Smith, age 83, of Palatine, will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 1201 E. Anderson Dr., Palatine, IL 60074. Interment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.

Michael passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, in Palatine, Illinois, joining his beloved wife of 55 years, Donna (Eaken) in heaven.

Born on February 13, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frederick and Katharine (Donoghue) Smith, he was a graduate of Mendel High School and lived in Chicago at a home his father built at the corner of 78th and East End Avenue. At the age of 12, the family moved into another home that his father built in Homewood, IL.

He is survived by his son Sean Smith and wife Hannah (Alley); his daughter Jennifer (Smith) Rode and husband Joseph; and his treasured grandchildren Julia, Nora, Claire, and Lucy. He is also survived by his sister Maura, brother Fred and wife Lana Smith, brother-in-law Willian Eaken, and beloved nieces and nephews Susan, Paul, Linda, Mark, Steve, Laura, Elizabeth, Theophilus, Lara, Luke, Ryan, and many grand-nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sister Susanne Smith, sister-in-law Doris Regnier, and brother-in-law Steve Schapiro.

He devoted 37 years of his career to Abbott Laboratories, where he oversaw hospital conversions and made them feel like five-star vacations for his crew. His leadership was marked by kindness, humor, and unwavering positivity.

At the center of his life was his wife, Donna, whom he adored and reminded daily of her beauty. He cherished the simple pleasures: a gin martini with three olives, a donut from Spunky Dunkers, and trips that would bring home sand in your shoes.

For decades, he spent his weekends at the kitchen table, carefully writing letters to family and friends on his characteristic graph paper, his block printing carrying words that always reminded others how important they were to him, with the lucky ones receiving a Mike Smith poem. A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, he brought joy and energy to every gathering, whether organizing block parties complete with the fire department and ponies, or filling a room with his loud, infectious laugh. He had a compliment for everyone he encountered.

He will be remembered for his graciousness, optimism, and generosity. In the words of Mike: Cheers and we hope you win the lottery!