Geraldine Mary Smith, 86, of Fort Mill, SC passed away Saturday, November 19 at Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte NC.

Gerry was born on March 11, 1936, to the late Aloysius and Nellie Courtad in Traverse City. One of 12 children, she loved her family fiercely. She graduated from St. Francis High School and married the love of her life William H. Smith (Bill) in 1956. As an Air Force wife, she travelled the United States and the world with their military assignments. They went on to have 4 children, who all survive her.

In 1976 Gerry and Bill returned to Traverse City and retired from the Air Force in 1980. Gerry began her second career, working 30 years for Sara Lee Bakery. She and Bill were longtime members of St. Francis Catholic Church, and she also served on the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. After Bill passed in 2015, Gerry moved to Fort Mill SC to be closer to her children in NC and SC. Her heart never left Traverse City, and she logged record online hours watching daily mass from St Francis (sometimes multiple times per day) along with her sister Joan in Ohio. Gerry was a ferocious knitter, as attested by the hundreds of hats, scarfs and mittens donated and covering Michigan, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She was a strong, generous, loving, and independent woman, and was blessed to live independently until her passing. She loved to laugh, play cards, knit, do crossword puzzles and travel.

She is survived by her children Mike (Patti) Smith, Tony Smith, Dan Smith and Lori (Robert, her favorite son-in-law) Mohler; grandchildren Harry and Nick Smith, Emily Englich-Mills, Zach Dell-Smith, Thatcher and Anistyn Smith and Colt Mohler; four great-grandchildren; siblings Al (Murna) Courtad, Pat Franke, Joan Romis and Dee Kress; in addition to other extended family members.

She was predeceased by her husband Bill and siblings Gene (Inez) Courtad, Ken (Amy), Marie Keaton, Dick (Maxine) Courtad, Don (Judy) Courtad, Bud Courtad and Eileen (Rich) Newman and brothers-in-law Jim Franke, Luke Romis and Dan Kress.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, November 28, 11:00 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church of Traverse City. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 27, from 4-6PM, rosary to be prayed at 6PM, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Additionally, there will be visitation one hour prior to Mass.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686

Memories and condolences may also be shared on Gerry's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com