Evelyn Hermine Mahnke Smith
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Evelyn Hermine Mahnke Smith, 99, of Columbia, died peacefully March 2, 2016.
Mrs. Smith was born September 28, 1916 in Union City, NJ to William & Hermine Mahnke. She grew up in Astoria, NY. She married Robert Smith on May 18, 1941. He preceded her in death on January 25, 1957. They had 3 children: Roy (Janet) of Inglis, FL, Peter (Patricia) of Long Lake, NY & Janet (George) Bartholomaeus of Columbia, MO who survive her. The family settled in Williston Park, NY on Long Island.
Mrs. Smith worked as an executive secretary most of her career. When she retired in 1979 she left NY to live near family in Illinois. She was a long-time member of Sand Prairie Lutheran Church in Green Valley, IL where she was an active member.
Later she moved to be closer to family in Long Lake, NY, Ocala, FL & finally Columbia, MO. She also took several trips to visit her cousins in Germany, Oskar & Christel and their family, who also survive her.
Besides her children and cousins, Evelyn is also survived by her sister-in-law, Helen, 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother William Mahnke, her sister Martha Peter, her brother-in-law William Peter & her son-in-law Wayne Arnson.
Evelyn was a woman of strong faith, had a feisty personality and a quick wit. She was a woman of many facial expressions, while playing cards or showing disdain at having to do something she didn’t like. She loved games, crosswords, mystery novels & was sharp as a tack to the end.
Mrs Smith’s final resting place will be in Long Island National Cemetery in NY with her beloved husband, Bob. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their most heartfelt thanks to Hospice Compassus & Columbia Manor Care Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus.
Rest in Peace Grandma!! We love you and miss you!!
Heaven welcomes home a beautiful soul. We will greatly miss you, Grandma.
Mommy, I miss you so much, but I know your are in Christ’s arms and enjoying seeing everyone who got there before you!!!
Kiss daddy and Nana for me and give EVERYONE else we know and love giant hugs from me and all who will be joining you in later times.
I am so happy you are at home and at
Peace. Love you soo much, Jan
What a privilege it has been to know Evelyn! As a hospice volunteer I have had the delight of spending time with Evelyn each week for over a year. How she has enriched my life!!! It was an honor to page through countless photo and memory albums with her and walk through the days of her life on Long Island and her trips to Europe. She had such a contagious zeal for life and faith. One time last fall when I was a bit down I asked Evelyn if she ever experienced the peace of God. “Sometimes” she said. When I asked her how we can get the peace of God – without hesitation she said ” Through prayer and thanksgiving”. And when I asked her to describe the peace of God she stated: “When I know I don’t need anything but Him!” Thank you, Evelyn, for sharing your life with me and all you taught me. I know you are now in Complete Peace with your Lord Jesus! and dancing with Bob:) May each of your family members find that peace & great comfort in the Lord as they continue this earthly journey without you. See you on the other side of the horizon, my friend!