Christine O. Smith, of Elmhurst, passed peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 77. Chris was preceded in death by her adoring husband Bruce; loving mother of Bruce (Melissa), Mark (Betsy) and Jenny (Jeff) Pozen; proud and caring “G” of Haley, Hanna, Bruce III, Ellen, Brian, Adam and Jane Smith; Charlie, Max, Sam, Joe and Christy Pozen; dear sister of Faye Rosselle (Don Pudney), Carol (Glenn) Kuschke, and Kent (Bonnie) Olson.
Chris was born in Decatur to the late Eldred and Ruth Olson, nee Barnes. She attended Western Illinois University where she met and married her sweetheart Bruce in 1963. She left college to raise a family but later graduated from Elmhurst University with a teaching degree. She taught 2nd grade at Jefferson School for many years before retiring.
Chris loved her cat Rosie, her students, spending time outdoors, playing mahjong with friends, playing the piano and listening to music. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry and was very involved in her church and was a faithful and devout Christian. But mostly she loved being with her family. As the grandmother (aka “G”) of 12, she spent as much time with them as she could. The grandchildren always looked forward to her Christmas sleepovers and Thanksgiving dinners. She loved summers at her cabin in Minnesota, listening to the loons and gazing at the bright stars above the lake.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer and losing her beloved husband, she lived the last few years of her life with infectious enthusiasm, an unwavering positive spirit, never-ending curiosity and a loving kindness that radiated from her. She showed others how to live life in the face of adversity. She will be missed dearly, as will those delicious pies she baked.
Services have been held.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to her church, Bethel UCC (bethel-ucc.org/give) or to provide water to those in need through Marion Medical Mission (mmmwater.org).
Please visit the funeral home website gibbonsfuneralhome.com to access the link to view the service or to leave messages for the family. Services handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. Info: 630-832-0018 or gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
