Frances G. “Sis” Smith, 82, formerly of 1534 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday morning, December 18, 2005, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, in the comforting care of her family and the caregivers at Eastwood and UP Home Health and Hospice.
Sis was born December 25, 1922 in Ishpeming, a daughter of the late Frank and Genevieve (Denn) Cleary. The family moved to Marquette when Sis was three years old, and in 1940 she graduated from the Bishop Baraga High School. While still in high school, she took the Civil Service exam and, during World War II, traveled to Washington, D.C. where she worked as a secretary for the Navy Department Bureau of Yard and Docks for three years. She returned to Marquette and was employed as a secretary for Dr. Robert Berry and Dr. Charles Serbst for five years. On October 1, 1952 she married Donald Leo “Snuffy” Smith. The couple had a camp at the Halfway Location, and ran the Halfway Bar. They enjoyed operating the bar, and had a desire to one day own their own. Snuffy and Sis later opened “Snuffy’s Saloon” on County Road 550 and that operation continued for over 18 years, being fondly remembered as the “home of the middle-aged swingers.” Snuffy died in 1984, and in 1985 the saloon was sold. Frances moved to Marquette following the death of her husband. She was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, enjoyed bowling, and was a member of several pool leagues throughout the years.
Survivors include:
Her daughter: Terry L. (Danny) Abbott of Big Bay;
Son: Tracy D. (Keren) Smith of Marquette; daughter-in-law, Carolee Smith of Negaunee
Grandchildren: Shannon (Bob) Melka, Carli Nevala, Todd and Chad Jackson, Jay Rosa, and Brannon Smith
Great-grandson: Travis Melka
Brother: John Donald Cleary of Long Beach, CA
Several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Frances was preceded in death by a son, Steven M. Smith; two sisters, Arlene Meyers and Mary Louise Laundre; a brother, Robert Cleary, and a sister-in-law, Jodi Cleary.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 20, beginning at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 pm Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Msgr. Timothy Desrochers as celebrant. Frances’ grandsons will serve as her escorts. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. Inurnment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
