Lena Smith

A woman who was content in all things, Lena Smith was truly beautiful on the inside and out. Her life was not without times of trial, but she weathered the storms that came her way with strength and a spirit of independence that inspires all who knew her.

The year 1916 saw WWI envelop much of Europe while President Woodrow Wilson vowed that America was too proud to fight. It was during this eventful time in world history that John and Lena (Heffler) Brifnek welcomed the birth of a healthy baby girl named Magdalena. Born on January 2, 1916, in Grand Haven, Michigan, she was one of nine children in her family. She spent the bulk of her childhood in Grand Haven where she attended a local elementary school. The Great Depression of the thirties brought trying times to the Brifnek family as it did to so many others, and as a result Lena left her family in Grand Haven and moved to Grand Rapids where she found work helping out a local family. She later worked at Brown Seed Company.

Life was forever changed for Lena when she met and later married a young man named Henry Smith. They were later blessed with four children over 15 years and raised their family on Wolverine Drive on the northeast side of Grand Rapids for many years. Lena was thrifty and knew the value of a dollar, never letting anything go to waste. Although Saturdays found the Smith children doing chores, there was always time for fun, too. When their children were younger, Lena and Henry built a cottage on School Section Lake where priceless memories were made for years to come.

All would agree that whatever came out of Lena’s kitchen was second to none. She made great meals and always insisted in feeding guests as well. Even when her children were older, Lena could lure them for a visit with the promise of a fantastic meal. Strawberry rhubarb pie was among her specialties.

Throughout their married life, Lena and Henry enjoyed spending time together. They loved to bowl and would even rent a few lanes on Sunday afternoons with an open invitation to family members who wanted to stop by for a game. Lena accompanied him hunting and fishing a time or two and always had a great way of telling the hunting and fishing stories that transpired.

Later in life Lena continued to embrace each day. She was thrilled when her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she hosted their family gatherings in their home until their number just got too large. Even then, Lena always brought something and could usually be found in the kitchen.

With a zest for life that came naturally, Lena Smith truly lived. She focused her days on caring for others whether family, friends, or someone in need of a tender touch. Lena will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Lena Smith died on May 7, 2011. Lena’s family includes her children, Robert Smith, Karen (Bill) Sutton, Marilyn (Tim) Essenburg, Debbie (Larry) Haynes; 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great- great- grandchild; her sister, Anna Burk; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Lena will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where relatives and friends may visit with her family on Monday from 6-9 p.m. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice, Faith Hospice or Heartland Hospice are appreciated. To share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.