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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Smith, Francine

SMITH, Francine Francine Alison Taylor Smith left us to dance with the angels on May 24, 2013.

Born December 8, 1946, she spent most of her 66 years in the Spokane Valley.

Known to family and close friends as Ciney, she will be missed by the many whose lives she touched.

She graduated from University High School and then later as a young widow with two young sons, pursued first an AA degree and later received a BS in Chemical Dependency.

She took great pride in her role as a substance abuse counselor always giving well over 100%.

In doing so, she changed many lives.

Working for Daybreak was not just a job to her.

It was a passion for this wonderfully caring woman.

A collector of angels, Francine never realized that she herself was an angel to so many with her selfless dedication to helping others while giving little thought to herself.

One of her favorite charities was The Tree of Sharing where she gave many years and countless hours volunteering.

Family and friends were important to her and she enjoyed family get-togethers of all kinds and ocean vacations with friends.

When all the family came together, she was happiest.

An excellent cook, all mouths watered at the many things she would prepare for these occasions.

Her cinnamon/sticky buns were the best and no gathering was complete without them.

In addition to raising her own children, she also opened her home and heart to numerous foster children.

She played a major role in her grandchildren’s lives and will be greatly missed by them.

Although she faced many challenges in her life, she overcame them all with dignity, grace, and determinations until her final challenge became too much for her weakened body.

She leaves behind her mother, Laura Heyn from Valleyford, WA; her sons, Jerry, Rob, and Jason; siblings, Glen, Jerry, Jim, Linda, Marcie, Pam, Robyn, and Ron.

She also leaves six grandchildren and one great-grandson along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Francine’s life will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1:00pm at the LDS church on 4014 S. Bowdish in Spokane.

The celebration will continue with a potluck gathering for all to share their many memories of this wonderful, loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

ENGLISH FUNERAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.

Please visit Francine’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.