Helen Lorraine Smith, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, departed from our midst far too soon, passing away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Born on March 23, 1966, she graced this world with her presence for fifty-seven years.
Helen was a devoted mother to her son, Dustin Johnson, who brought immeasurable joy into her life. Dustin, married to Melissa, was the pride of Helen’s heart. Together, they welcomed Helen’s cherished granddaughter, Lilly, into the world, a beacon of light that brought immense happiness to her grandmother.
She is also survived by her stepchildren, Jennifer (Al) Kozlowski, Jonathan (Carolyn) Smith, Jodi Smith; and their children, Dallas (Sasha), Casey, Devon, Victor, Oliver and Harper; great grandchildren, Shiloh, Loki and Blaire whom she embraced as part of her extended family, sharing love and support with them throughout her life. A woman with a genuine passion for dogs, Helen’s life was enriched by her furry companions. Stormy, Lillylou, Rescue, and Kylie were not just pets but beloved members of her family, offering unwavering companionship and love.
Helen leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth. She is survived by her sisters, Sheila Palinkas, Joan Palinkas, Beth (Sam) Haner; and her brother, Joe Palinkas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and Robert Brinks, a friend who looked out for her these last several years in Kevin’s absence.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved father, Joseph; her dear mother, Marjorie; and her loving husband, Kevin. Though they have departed this world, their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them dearly.
Helen’s absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her dearly. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral services will take place at 11am on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Helen’s memory to the Humane Society of Kent County, a cause close to her heart, symbolizing her enduring love and compassion for animals.
May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and warmth she shared so generously during her time with us.
9 Responses
Hellen was also a very caring and kind nurse. I admired how devoted she was to the patients she cared for. ( a ball of energy).
Helen was also a very caring and kind nurse. I admired how devoted she was to the patients she cared for. ( a ball of energy).
Sending prayers and condolences to Helen’s family and friends.
Helen will be missed greatly! We kinda grew up together. I’m sorry for the times Beth and I would pick on you. Now you can RIP!🙏🙏💗🙏🙏
I am so sorry to hear that. I remember all you kids and Helen was a tomboy all the way. Prayers for the family 🙏🙏.
Beth I am so sorry to here of the loss of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
I am so sorry to read of this. I always enjoyed my visits when we would run into each other through the years. Sending prayers for peace to her family and friends.
Aunt Helen, reunited with Kevin in another time and space. Kevin is the soil to Helen, who is a flower flourishing in that soil (Kevin) , amongst the majestic beauty that beholds all. If you were to combine Helen and Kevin that would make Heaven! To all that experienced Helen, even if it were less than they had hoped, she was exuberant, lively, effervescent, yet calm with her every move.
My most memorable moment was with my cousin (Dustin), in which Aunt Helen had acquired super soakers for us by way of TOYsARUS. This was revolutionary technology to us which we thought was awesome. We used all the water in Lowell on some poor kids in the neighborhood thinking this was so much fun; just blasting everything/everyone with water…. Come to find out we were being a menace to the community. Aunt Hellen delt with us by filling our bellies with mac n cheese and then taking our guns away. We knew we had screwed up somehow…we played video games and chilled rest of night but, That Was AWESOME! Super soakers were a big deal until Aunt Helen made us apologize to the neighboring folk that we soaked with water. I am forever grateful for these lessons and memories alike. Thanks Aunt Helen!
Love you all family and friends! Embrace each other and find peace, love, happiness and tranquility, as Helen did and continues to do in heaven!
-Peter Christopher Palinkas-Berg
I’m still yelling that this isn’t fair. You’re such a beautiful person, the joy you would bring us when we were kids will never be forgotten. I love you to the moon and back G momma.