Traverse City – Elsa A. Smith, 88, died July 11, 2018. Loving wife of the late James Francis Smith; devoted mother to Kathleen (Steve) Wisniewski, Terrence Michael (Melissa), James "Jesse" (Carol), Cynthia (Marc Frick), Timothy (Snezhana), Matthew (Maria Elena) and Patricia (Steve Wethy); caring grandmother to Kristen, Robert, Jonathan, Anna, Maria, Kurt, Shelby, Natalie, Andrew, and Monique. Fond sister of Eleanor (the late Leonard "Gus") Nadolski, and the late Hans (Judy); sister-in-law to Kathleen (the late Dan) Sullivan, the late Rosaleen "Doda" (the late Bill) Sherlock, Anne (Jim) Geraghty, Joan (Pat) Costello; and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Elsa was born November 17, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York to Kreszentia (Diemer) and Johannes Aicheler and moved to Detroit at a very young age. She attended St. David's, graduated Dominican High School ('47), and earned a B.A. from Marygrove College ('51). She met Chicago native James Smith (University of Detroit) at a school dance. The two married in '51 and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Elsa began her lifelong vocation of teaching. Elsa was a counselor, educator, mentor and friend to countless students.

The couple moved to Detroit in the early 1950s and started their family. When their youngest child started kindergarten, Elsa began working at Regina High School in Harper Woods, where she taught a variety of subjects and counseled for nearly thirty years, ending in 1996. Elsa had a lifelong love of learning, and while working and raising seven children, she earned two Masters degrees from Wayne State University. In retirement she continued working as a counselor for Elementary and Middle School students at St. Isaac Jogues School. She left an indelible mark on those who knew her and were honored to call her friend. A celebration of her life will be held at Regina High School on September 1st at 11:00 am with a light lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elsa Smith Memorial Fund at Regina High School. This scholarship will be given to students who have a passion for helping others and who have overcome challenges. Elsa Smith Memorial Fund – Contribution Instructions
If you wish to contribute to the Elsa Smith Memorial Fund to provide scholarships to Regina High School Students, please make your check payable to:
"Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund"
And mail it to the following address:
Fidelity Charitable
PO Box 770001
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0053
Include the following in the memo field of the check:
Elsa Smith Memorial Fund
1148741
Your gift should be tax deductible and you should receive a letter from Fidelity Charitable to confirm the tax deductibility and the amount to be used in filing your income tax return.

Elsa's children would like to express their gratitude to family, friends, and neighbors their support during Elsa's final illness and especially to the dedicated caregivers of French Manor South, Brandon, Hospice of Michigan, and Comfort Keepers.