It is with a sorrowful heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Marie Annette Smith (nee Chanall) on June 25, 2026, at the age of 87.  Born in Gadsden, Alabama Marie was one of three beloved daughters of William and Hazel Chanall. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Mildred Ashenbremer and is survived by her children Todd Smith (Beatrice) and Cara Scott (Greg), as well as her sister Carol Chanall.

Marie spent her formative years in East Chicago, Indiana where she graduated from Washington High School.  She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from IU Bloomington, and later achieved a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University.  Her passion for learning blossomed into a fulfilling 35-year career teaching kindergarten in the Lake Central School District at Watson Elementary.  Marie’s dedication to nurturing young minds left an indelible mark on generations of students, who fondly remember her warmth, patience, and engaging spirit.

On August 15, 1959, Marie married her beloved Sam Smith at the Indiana Harbor Methodist Church.  Together, they crafted a beautiful life, raising their two cherished children and traveling around the world in their retirement years.  Marie and Sam shared a deep and abiding love until his passing in 2008.

A few years after Sam’s passing, Marie had a chance reunion at the post office with an old family friend, Dr. Rev, Leroy Fassett (the Pastor Emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church in Highland).  Leroy and Marie began going to lunch or dinner together, and eventually they became constant companions and the best of friends for the next 15 years until Leroy’s passing in March 2026.  They had a very special bond and loved each other very much.

Marie was a woman of many interests and talents.  She had been a league bowler for many years at Plaza Lanes in Highland, an avid golfer (on leagues and individually), and she took great pride in tending to her lush garden.  She loved watching all the different types of birds that her flowers and feeders attracted.  Her commitment to community was evident in her active memberships with the Lakeshore Community Theater, American Association of University Women (AAUW), book clubs, stock club, bridge club, etc.  She volunteered at Nazareth Home (a group home for medically-compromised babies and children) for several years until it’s closure in 2020, and she volunteered at Munster Community Hospital for over 20 years.

To honor Marie’s remarkable life, services are scheduled as follows:

– Visitation on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm

Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN

– Funeral Service on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00am

First Presbyterian Church, 8727 Delaware St, Highland, IN

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The National Audubon Society (www.Audubon.org) reflecting Marie’s love for nature and dedication to the preservation of birdlife, or to Hospice of the Calumet Area (www.hospicecalumet.org).  Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the skilled and compassionate staff with Hospice of the Calumet Area for their exceptional care and support during Marie’s final days.

Marie’s enduring love and strength continue to shine brightly through the lives of Todd, Cara, and all of those who treasured her.  Her memory will forever be held dear, a testament to a life well-lived and a soul deeply loved.

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