Edna Smith

Throughout a lifetime that spanned over nine decades of war and peace, plenty and want, joy and grief, Edna Smith kept her gaze fixed on what mattered most: her faith, family, and friends. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she faced every challenge that came her way with grit and determination. There was nothing that made Edna happier than surrounding herself with those she loved. Her words of encouragement made an impact on so many, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to tenderly serve others. Already so greatly missed, Edna will be forever loved.

The early 1930s were tumultuous years for many of those living in the United States of America. The Great Depression cast a dark shadow over the country following the historic stock market crash in 1929. During such difficult years, it was important for families to find joy wherever they could. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Gail and Catherine Wright in Tallmadge township in Michigan as they announced the arrival of their second baby. Born at her uncle’s house on March 12 of 1931, Edna joined her older sister, Carolyn, in the Wright family. Many years ago Edna's family was one of the original settlers in the area, Edna was very proud of her Wright family heritage, ultimately having Wright township named after her family.

Growing up, Edna enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation in many ways. Edna’s father ran a small hobby farm with many fruit trees, and Edna had a cow and pig of her own that she tended to. As a child, she walked three miles every day to attend Delaney School. To complete her education, Edna attended Union High School. She worked hard to balance her studies with her job as a dental assistant. Edna excelled as a student and graduated from Union in 1949, eager to see what the future held.

It was during high school that Edna met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Theodore Smith, and Edna was first drawn to Ed’s gorgeous dark wavy hair. Over the next four years of dating, their relationship blossomed, and the two fell head over heels in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Edna and Ted were married at Second Congregational Church on October 20, 1950.

Edna’s family soon began to grow. She and Ted were overjoyed to welcome their five children, Pam, Sandy, Faith, Randy, and Todd. Edna thrived in her role as a mother, and she devoted several years of her life to being a stay-at-home mom to better care for her young kids. She always prioritized how her children were dressed and would often dress her daughters alike. Edna, Ted and their families got to enjoy vacations to White Fish Lake, Traverse City, Silver Beach, and Grand Haven over the years. Mother’s Day and Christmas were both special holidays for the Smiths, filled with quality family time.

Of all the things Edna prioritized in life, West View Christian Reformed Church, and her faith were always of the utmost importance to her. She raised her family in a faith-filled environment, and it was essential that her children received a Christian education. Once the kids were in grade school, Edna began working at the Peninsular Club with a group of ladies from church. She was a member of the Anna Circle group, a women’s Bible study, even leading the group herself at times. Through their church, Edna and Ted supported many “lost boys” in Sudan. She knew many of the boys’ names by heart. Edna found great fulfillment in volunteering at Edison Christian Rest Home as well.

Later in life, Edna was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She was known to always have her pockets full of sweet treats to give out to the kids. Edna considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones. Though she could be on the quiet side, she possessed a talent for expressing herself beautifully through her writing. Edna played the piano and organ, filling the world around her with music. Even after the devastating loss of Ted following his stroke in 2013, she continued to live each day with a grateful spirit, and she cherished every moment spent with family. In 2023, she moved into Edison Christian Rest Home to receive better memory care.

Hardworking, compassionate, and supportive of all those near, Edna Smith lived a life rich in family and friends. She was a powerful role model of kindness and generosity, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Edna took every chance to hold her people close. Her servant’s heart allowed to touch the lives of so many. Although our days will not be the same without Edna here, she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Mrs. Edna Smith, aged 94 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the company of her family. Edna is preceded in death her by husband, Ted Smith; her daughter, Sandy Breuker; and daughter-in-law, Deb Smith. She is survived by her children, Pam and John Wilson, Faith and George Powell, Randy Smith, Todd and Zelpha Smith; son-in-law, Wayne Breuker; her grandchildren, Lacey (Dan) Sheffer, Hope (Alan) Margherio, Ted Bufkin IV, Jamie Smith, Jason Smith, Taryn (Nathan) Lukasik, Kadi Smith, Micah (Karey) Smith, Zac (Alix) Smith, Kelsey Rogers, Kaleigh (Quinten) Holman; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends. Edna’s family would like to offer their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Edison Christian Health Center who have provided attentive and loving care to Edna over the past three years; as well as the staff of Faith Hospice; especially DeAnna Saenz. A service to remember Edna will be held on what would have been her 95th birthday on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, 49504 at 2:00 PM. Edna’s family will receive visitors from 1:00 PM to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider your contributions in Edna’s memory to Edison Christian Health Center, Faith Hospice, or West View Christian Reformed Church. Edna will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. To leave your own memory of her, and to sign her personal guest book, visit her web page at www.heritagelifestory.com