Loraine Smick

Loraine Smick passed away March 31, 2021, at the age of 93 due to complications from COVID-19.

Loraine was born Feb. 13, 1928, in Magrath, Alberta, Canada. She was the first of four daughters born to John and Ruth (Hillmer) Helm. Loraine moved to Colfax with her family when she was six years old. She attended Martha Washington Grade School and Colfax High School, graduating in 1947 with her sister Virginia.

Loraine married Dale Smick of Endicott on Sep. 24, 1950. Their wedding was the first performed in the newly built and dedicated Trinity Lutheran Church of Endicott. They lived in Endicott for three years before moving to the family farm just outside of town, where they raised their two children Susan and Alan.

She was very proud of her family and their farm, and worked tirelessly to support both. She loved being outdoors, and always had a beautiful yard and garden. She was also an excellent cook. Those who have

had the opportunity to eat at her table know, that when Loraine made something, somehow it always tasted better.

She never met someone she couldn't talk to. Loraine loved meeting new people and had a gift for making everyone around her feel welcome and important. She especially had a way with children, and when they were around, they were always drawn to her. With her kind heart and encouraging nature, she faithfully supported her community, including the Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott.

Her family meant the world to her. She could not have been more proud of her children, their spouses, and her only granddaughter. She loved spending time with her parents and three sisters, and treasured being "Auntie Bebe" to her 12 nieces and nephews and their families.

Loraine and Dale lived on the farm together for 60 years before moving to the Courtyard in Colfax in 2014.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Dale, who passed away last October; her parents John and Ruth Helm; and her three sisters Virginia Farr, Dolly Witruk, and Janice Schweiger. She is survived by daughter Susan and husband Rich Crawford, son Alan Smick and wife Teresa, and her only granddaughter Becky Crawford, who always told her, "You are my favorite person in the whole world!"

Viewing for Loraine will be at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax on Monday, April 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to COVID, a private graveside service will be held at the Endicott Cemetery, and a larger memorial service will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorials be made to the Endicott Cemetery or Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott. Online guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.