Grace Elizabeth Smith

Grace Smith, 89, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully at the Ernestine M. Raclin House surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 22, 2026.  She was born in Conklin, NY on June 2, 1936, to the late Donald and Erma (Clark) Campbell.

After graduating from Central High School in 1954, she attended Indiana University and received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education.

For thirty-seven years she was a dedicated elementary school teacher. Most of her career was in South Bend public schools. Early in her career she taught in Europe and Asia, which offered the opportunity to travel to many countries. She enjoyed traveling but teaching was always the most gratifying.

Not content to just relax in retirement, she enjoyed volunteering, participating in creative activities, and traveling. She was active in her church, St. Paul's Memorial Church, of which she was a dedicated member for over seventy-five years.

Grace felt blessed to be a part of a large, loving family. She is survived by her sisters Mary Thompson, Joanna Starner, Priscilla Wolfe and Phyllis Tegman, and step-grandchildren Alison West, Brad Buysee, and Scott Smith. Grace is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Donna Priebe, Sue Czarnecki and Miriam Van Dusen along with step-grandson Nicholas Smith.

Visitation for Grace will be held 11:30 am - 1:30 pm with funeral service beginning at 1:30 on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Palmer Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend IN 46635. Pastor Matt Johnson will officiate at the service for Grace. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare staff at the Ernestine M. Raclin House for their compassionate care.

A special thank you is also extended to Grace's nieces, Kristine Wolfe and Annie Priebe for their exceptional love and support shown during the past several months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace's name may be made to St, Paul's Memorial Church, 1001 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend IN 46616 or Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545.

Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.Palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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