Shirley M. Smith

Those who knew her will remember her as a true friend. Her students, with respect and love, will remember her as “Smitty.” Shirley taught Drama and Speech at Marquette Senior High School for 29 years plus 13 years as a sub. During that tenure, she received many awards, but a few closest to her heart were the Michigan International Forensics Theatre Teacher of the year, the naming of the MSHS Little Theater, The Shirley Smith Theatre and, The International Reading Association Award for her work with The Young Authors.

Shirley is survived by her caring son, Jeffrey; many close cousins; her special cousins, Jeanne Sauter of Escanaba, MI, Charlene Krafski of Wichita, KS, Nancy Shimwalla of Tanzania; nephews, Marty of Arizona and Dan of California; grandchildren, Andrew and Jennifer; her theatre traveling buddy, Dawn Betts; her oldest friends, Lois Swanson of Iron Mountain, MI and Louise Glaysher of Geneva, IL; cousins, Jay Dishnow of Iron Mountain and Graham Benoit of Owatonna, MN and many dear friends and relatives.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; son, Greg; sister-in-law, Lorraine (Smith) Lovell; cousins, Irene Dishnow, Robert Saxon, Jim Saxon, Bill Sauter and Karen Benoit.

Per Shirley’s wishes, there will be no formal services held. Her wishes are for her friends to celebrate her life in their own way. She will be dearly missed.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Shirley’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.