Smith, Mary Jane

Bad Axe, Michigan

Mary Jane Smith age 90 years of Bad Axe, Michigan was  born on October 31, 1935 to Doris (Ciaciuch) and Frank Helminiak in Kawkawlin Michigan and  passed away March 18, 2026 surrounded by family in Burton, Michigan.

Mary Jane was a generous, dutiful, and humble woman, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She spent many years working with charitable organizations such as The Knights of Columbus, The Red Hat Society, multiple food pantries, The Daughters of Isabella, and the 50 and over club, where she held several offices among multiple organizations. Mary Jane loved to create, and always kept her hands busy, whether it was tending to her garden, crafting quilts for World Relief, creating clothing and toys for her grandchildren, or preparing frequent meals and baked goods for her family and loved ones; she could almost always be found finding ways to serve and care for others. She led a well rounded life with her love of family and charity accompanied by a passion for experiencing the world around her. An avid traveler, she went on many trips, whether to Europe, or more locally to visit lighthouses, waterfalls, casinos, and other outings with members of the communities she was involved in. She balanced her love for travel, and her love for her home and the people in and around it in a remarkable way that she will always be admired and remembered for.

She is preceded in death by her parents Doris and Frank, her husband James Smith, her brother Frank Helminiak, her nephew Kevin Deno and her great granddaughter Makia Nowiski.

She is survived by her children, Michael of Redford, Steven of Bad Axe, and Daniel and his wife Lois of Burton, her sister, Maxine Dallaire, her niece, Linda Deno; as well as her grandchildren, Toni Smith and Taya (Tyler) Lohr; step-grandchildren Brett and Alex Campbell; great grandchildren Lilly, Adilyn, and Elaina Lohr; and step-great grandchild Riley Campbell.

The Funeral Mass for Mary Jane Smith will be celebrated Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Hubert Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 311 Whitelam St. Bad Axe, MI 48413. Celebrating will be Rev. Fr. Yesu Mulakaleti. Visitation will take place at church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Immediately following Mass, family and friends will travel in procession to Sacred Heart Cemetery for Committal Prayers and Interment. In lieu of flowers, Mary Jane has requested for donations to be made to the St Hubert's Food Pantry of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bad Axe, Michigan. Arrangements have been entrusted to the MacAlpine Funeral Home, www.macalpinefuneralhome.com