Nancy W. Smith

Nancy Smith passed away peacefully in her home on June 24, 2018, eleven days shy of her 85th birthday. She was surrounded by her children, Darien, Carrick and Brett, along with her grandchildren and Brad Patrick and caregiver, Krystal Garcia. Nancy was born in Chicago, IL on July 5, 1933, during the Worlds Fair, to Harold and Lucille Wood. She was raised in LaGrange. IL and graduated from Lyons Township High School. She worked in the jewelry Industry as the Manager of the jewelry department for many years, at Tiffany and Company on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, where she furthered her talents by taking classes at Tiffany’s Stained Glass and learned the techniques for creating her own pieces. She began her career at  C.D. Peacock’s in Oak Brook, IL. Prior to moving full-time to New Buffalo, she raised her family in Hinsdale, IL. A life-long artist, who was consistently ahead of her time, she earned her BA in Art History from Oberlin College in 1955, she pursued her MFA at the University of Minnesota. While she was a talented painter and sharp witted scholar, to her family she will always be best remembered for the stained glass masterpieces she created later in her life, including the large City seal window in the Council Chambers at City Hall and the many pieces that grace area homes and collections. In the New Buffalo community, she will be remembered for the highly influential role she served as Chair on the Harbor Commission. For decades, she was a champion for marine safety and for the on-going Federal Channel dredging initiatives. She also served as a member of the Great Lakes Small Draft Harbor Coalition and she interfaced with the US Army Corps of Engineers on the City’s behalf.   As Harbor Commission Chair, she led the establishment of the voluntary Emergency Dredging Fund, (EDF), which funds much of the harbor dredging. Her accomplishments and contributions are many, she leave a large legacy to her memory: Nancy sat on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and was a life-time member of New Buffalo Service League. As Beautification Chair of N.B, Service League., she led the planting and maintenance of all of the downtown, beachfront, marina and Amtrak flower planters. For many years, one could she her watering the planters from her 35-gallon water tank, which road in her personal SUV, and right near her side rode Sam, her canine helper.  A thrill for her was to witness the completion of the long-dreamed of and planned, N. Whittaker Street Redevelopment project, which she was able to celebrate on June 14. Nancy also championed the on-going Dunewalk reconstruction project at the beachfront and the installation of a web camera at the Transient Marian which brings the visual conditions of Lake Michigan to the boaters, via a 24/7 live web cam stream. She, along with her dogie friends, successfully promoted and established the Sari Asher Dog Park where dogs and their owners can gather and socialize and dogs can run and play. Nancy was also an early supporter and committee member for the former Beverly Sullivan, of Clipper Ship Galleries, who created and established the Second Season Ball. The Ball was held every February for thirteen years, as a fundraiser for the New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA). Nancy loved her family and friends, sailing her boat Kermit, fishing on the Bill Fish, downhill skiing, riding her scooter, and bird and squirrel watching. She enjoyed sipping Green Tea, and visiting and knitting at David’s Deli and the NB Township Library. And she enjoyed weekly luncheons at the Stray Dog, especially the rooftop.  She loved to cook and entertain, competing in many Chili cook-offs and baking for everyone’s birthday, or for just any day. Her receipts and sweets treats were legendary and delicious. Her zest for life and interesting conversation was boundless. In her final months, the City and her friends went above and beyond to celebrate her, holding a Nancy Smith Appreciation Day on December 17, which she genuinely appreciated. Always the quite initiator, city historian and valuable contributor to City Council, DDA, Parks Board and Planning Commission, she also shared her vision, insight and volunteer hours with the Forward New Buffalo Team. Nancy was preceded in passing by her parents, Harold and Lucille Wood, her significant other, Bill Hupp and her best buddy and canine companion Sam. She is survived by her children; Darien (David Nichols) Nichols-Smith of Aurora, Illinois, Carrick (Kathy) Legrismith of Clinton, Michigan, and Brett Kravits (Brad Patrick) of New Buffalo. Her grandchildren Gillian (Matt Daniels,)  Kajsa Nichols-Smith, Alex (Lauren) Legismith and Kevin Legismith, along with her sweet puppy Poppy, and sister-buddy Daisy. Nancy Smith seemed to live by the advise of former President John F. Kennedy, when he stated, “Ask not what your country (community) can do for you, ask what you can do for your country (community).” In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations, which will be used to celebrate her life with a sculpture or significant art piece. Funeral Services were held on Friday, June 28, 2018 at Sommerfeld Smith Funeral Home in New Buffalo. A reception followed at Maria Grand Resort