Michelle A. Smith

It is with sorrow we announce the passing of Michelle (Shelly) Smith of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Shelly finally found peace with the Lord on August 15, 2023 at the age of 69.

Shelly was born in Oscoda, Michigan on July 21, 1954 to the late Mary (Malia) Smith and Eugene Smith.

Shelly is survived by her seven brothers and sisters; Susan (Mark) O’Connor, Thomas (Diana) Smith, Patrick Smith, Richard (fiancé, Doy) Smith, Geno (Dawn) Smith, Bill (Juleen) Smith, Terri (Dan) Dineen, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family, both related by blood and by friendship.

Shelly always had a brilliant mind. Being ahead of her time, Shelly was in the first graduating class that included women at the University of Notre Dame in the late 1970’s. Three years later Shelly earned her JD in Law from Marquette University.

Through the years, Shelly practiced law at various firms and private companies. She was truly a gifted writer as was reflected in her work throughout her career. When it came time for some of her siblings to write papers of their own, she was always more than willing to help us, not to write the papers for us, but to show us how our writing could be so much better.

Although Shelly left public life several years ago, she touched so many people in a positive way before then. She was like our dad when it came to serving others. When she helped people, she did it quietly and shied away from any recognition. She just wanted to help.

In particular our family wants to thank Shelly’s friends and co-workers from Liturgical Publications who fought so hard for her. You were a family to her.

We would also like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Shelly’s neighbor and friend, Carol Walters. Carol, you were her guardian Angel for many, many years when she needed it the most. We know Angels exist, but we thought we would never be blessed to meet one in person. God Bless you Carol.

A Burial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 1:00 pm at Hartland Village Cemetery (lower cemetery), 400 W. Capitol Drive, Hartland Wisconsin. The cemetery can be accessed in the rear Northpoint Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shelly’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.