Victoria Ann Martinic Smith

Victoria Ann Martinic Smith, 91, mother of Katherine Stowers, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away at St. Lawrence Hospice in Lansing, Thursday, February 1, 2007. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Monday, February 5, 2007, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus, in Benton Harbor with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Visitation with the family will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 with a Rosary service at 5:30, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph, MI. Memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Hospice in Lansing or to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Victoria was born January 25, 1916, in Whiting, IN and was raised in Bainbridge Township. She was one of six children born to Thomas & Catherine Martinic. On December 2, 1939, she married Fred Smith at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. She worked locally for Voice of Music and for Shepard Products. She was a life long member of St. John’s Parish. Victoria was known to many as a “deeply spiritual woman.” Victoria loved gardening and caring for her home. She was a devoted wife and loving mother who was always devoted to her family. She cherished time spent with her daughter, granddaughters, and was particularly proud of her great-granddaughter, Mallory Katherine. Victoria was known by her family and friends for her uniquely spirited humor and personality. Victoria is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Dennis) Stowers of Grand Ledge, MI; grand-daughters, Julie (Greg) Bohl), of Pinckney, MI, and Megan (Fiancee Thomas Hurth) of Lansing; great-granddaughter, Mallory Katherine Bohl; sister-in-law, Emmlie Martinic; brother-in-law, Harry Marshall; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; brothers, George, Thomas, Steven, & John Martinic; and by her beloved sister, Helen Marshall.