Leota June Smith

Leota (Leigh) June Smith, age 88, entered into eternal life surrounded by her family on January 21, 2021, at the home of her daughter in East Lansing, Michigan. There will be a private family service at a later date.

Leigh was born January 28,1932, in Corunna, Michigan, to Thomas Raymond Mason and Lillian LaVaughn (Butts) Mason. She was raised in Vernon, Michigan. Leigh was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Her greatest joy was her family; she truly was a fierce champion for her children and grandchildren.

For over 20 years Leigh was involved in her husband’s business, H&S Foods, Inc., (Burger King). She was also a committed volunteer for the St. Lawrence Hospital Auxiliary for 25 years, including serving as president. At her beloved Harper House she hosted many charitable events, political fundraisers, and advocated for Save The Seals. Her true love was spent riding, caring for, and raising her horses. Leigh was an equestrian enthusiast as a child and well into her adult life, and she participated in several thoroughbred Hunter Jumper competitions. She also enjoyed traveling the world, reading, playing the piano, and spending summers at her family’s property, “Heiney’s Tanglewild,” on Torch Lake.

She is survived by her children Lesleigh Jo (James) Farhat of East Lansing; Joseph Thomas Smith III (Gregg Holcomb) of Traverse City; Daniel (Kay) Smith of Bellaire; Kimberly (David) Cook of Traverse City; Shaun Smith (David Bundschuh) of Tampa, Florida; Michael (Mary Beth Fisher) Smith of Midland; sister-in-law Barbara Kortge of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law John Szilagyi of Zephyrhills, Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Heather (Larry) Crosier, Lisa (Ron) Girard, Rafia (Michael) Kwapisz, Rafe Farhat, Daniel Smith Jr. (Mica), David Joseph “DJ” Cook, Alexandra Smith, Cole Smith, Jack Smith, Brian (Heather) Klopp, Christopher (Julie) Klopp, as well 16 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Thomas Smith, Jr., (AKA Whopper Joe); her father Thomas Mason; her mother Lillian Heiney; step-father Llewelyn “Jack” Heiney; brother Robert “Bob” Heiney; sisters Joy Jean Cooper and Peggy Szilagyi; son Mark Wayne Wilkens; and granddaughter Jenna Smith.

Our mother had a strong will and fought hard until the end. Anyone who knew her would agree that she had a spunky spirit, great sense of humor, the gift of gab, and distinct sense of style. We will miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and medical teams at Ascension St. Mary Neuro ICU in Saginaw; Burcham Hills Rehabilitation Center in East Lansing; Sparrow Hospital Neuro Care Unit/Palliative Care/Hospice Services for the care they gave to our mother. Also, we extend gratitude to special friends Dr. Amin G. Isaacs, Roz Henry, and neighbors Mike Miller and Nicole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 111 N Howell St, Owosso, MI 48867; Sparrow Hospital Palliative Care/Hospice Services, 1210 West Saginaw Street, Lansing Michigan 48915; or a charity of your choice.