Eva Marie (Smith) Lee, of Okemos, passionate mother, passed away at the age of 49, on Sunday, April 19, 2020. She endured a long courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She fought hard to the very end. At the end, with her family beside her, she passed away peacefully. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 17, 1970, the daughter of Julie and Charles Smith. Eva is survived by her daughter, Arabella Lee, her mother Julie A. McDaniels, her father, Charles E. (Robin) Smith.
No expressions can quantify the love and joy that motherhood brought to Eva. Being a mother ignited a light inside Eva that shone as bright as any star in the sky. The blessing of her daughter’s love was Eva’s life.
She was passionate for all her family. Family gatherings, such as card parties, reunions, camping trips and holidays, those times together meant so much to her. The love for her family inspired her to begin the work of her family ancestry; she enjoyed piecing together her family’s story. Her fun-loving spirit is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mexican food was always her go-to, and her Aunt Linda was always there to cook her up a mess of tacos. Fish was a favorite too, though only her dad’s would do.
Eva graduated from Laingsburg High School and then went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Lansing Community College. She worked at the Meridian Mall information center, where she made lifelong friendships and met her husband, James E. Lee. Later they divorced, but remained friends. She always carried a special place for him in her heart.
Throughout her employment, her loyalty and dedication were recognized by her outstanding work and contributions she made to the companies and the teams she worked with. During her career, she worked as an Executive Assistant for 13 years for Granger Construction and Granger Foundation. She then worked as an Executive Assistant for Delta Dental. During her career she touched so many; her loyalty, sense of humor and commitment were felt by all with whom she worked. So many of her team members, peers, coworkers became family to Eva and Eva family and friend to them.
Many things brought Eva joy and laughs and fun. Eva took comfort in her cats and found solitude and connection with Mother Earth through Lake Michigan, one of her favorite places. She loved traveling and had much laughter and fun on her girls’ trips.
Eva’s family would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for Tina’s love and care given to Eva and Bella during her final weeks. We also extend our appreciation to Sparrow Hospice, an amazing staff.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bella’s 529 college savings account. Clicking on this link: https://www.misaves.com/egift/ and entering this code MIchQ4 will allow you to make contributions directly into Bella’s 529 college savings account. Contributions also can be sent via postal mail to Eva M. Lee, c/o Gorsline-Runciman, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823.
A Virtual (Zoom) Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 28th, at 11 am, from the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral home located at East Lansing. The Zoom information, link and password will be sent via email by invitation. If you do not receive an email for the Zoom invite, by Sunday, April 26th, please reach out to me, to [email protected]. The service will be recorded.
A graveside ceremony at the Laingsburg Cemetery and Celebration of Life Memorial will be held later, a date yet to be determined.
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