Eugenia J. Smith

WINONAJeannie's Life Story:When reflecting on the life of Eugenia "Jeannie" Smith, words such as driven, hardworking, and persistent come to mind. However, it will be her love for her family and her passion for music that will be her lasting legacies. She was blessed to share the majority of her life's journey with her true love, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Jeannie willingly gave of her time and talents to bring beauty through music to numerous others along the way. Her beauty, her grace, and her kind heart will never be forgotten. It was great to be an American during the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was leading the way to new ways of living that became vital parts of our nation's history. Cars had become more affordable because of the implementation of the assembly line, and air travel was taken to new heights thanks to Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. The washing machine and refrigerator made life inside the home easier, and radios brought the world around us within our reach. It was during this vibrant time in American history that John and Augusta (Fischer) Michalowski welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home. Eugenia Josephine was the youngest of 13 children in her family, and her father worked hard to support their bustling family as a fire captain while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Eugenia, or Jeannie as she was usually known, and her siblings were given a tough pill to swallow with the death of their parents when she was about 12 years old. As the youngest of the Michalowski children and as someone who also lost her parents at such a young age, Jeannie was primarily raised by her older siblings. As a student, she attended St. Stan's grade school and graduated from Cotter High School. A firm believer in education, Jeannie went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree from St. Catherine's University with a 3.4 GPA. She later earned her Master's Degree from De Paul University in Chicago with a 4.0. For several years during the summer, Jeannie also took classes at Viterbo, University of Minnesota, and St. Teresa's in Winona.New and exciting changes were in store for Jeannie when she met the love of her life. His name was Pat Smith, and they met while they were both teaching at Totino-Grace High School. Jeannie was teaching Choir and English at the time while he was teaching Social Studies. Pat saw her in the school cafeteria and walked up to introduce himself, only to have her say, "Yeah, I know, I met you this morning!" Their love blossomed during which time Pat was anticipating being called to serve during the Vietnam War. As soon as he received notice that he would not be sent overseas, he told Jeannie to pick a date. They chose November because it was near his parents' anniversary. The sweethearts were married on November 18, 1967. Throughout their married life, Jeannie and Pat were true companions who enjoyed being together. Music was a shared passion, and they loved playing music together with Pat on the guitar and Jeannie on the piano. For the most part, they played sixties music. Before she was married, Jeannie had lived in Strasberg, North Dakota. Jeannie and Pat later lived in a mobile home in Minneapolis within a fun neighborhood surrounded by college students before they bought a home in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. It was Pat's job with 3M that brought them to New York City. Jeannie absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of big city life, and they would have stayed longer if they could, but they were transferred to Chicago. From Chicago, they spent some time living in San Francisco, California, before moving to Stillwater, Minnesota, where they lived on the 18th hole of the Oakland Golf Course. This was amazing for Pat since he golfed. However, Jeannie never took up the game. They eventually moved back to Winona. Jeannie and Pat took in their nephew, Jeff Michalowski, after both of his parents died. He was only 10 years old at the time, and Jeannie and Pat raised him as their own son. Jeannie was a fantastic mother figure for Jeff. A woman of many interests, Jeannie was one to keep busy. As her family and friends can attest, she was passionate about music, especially when it came to playing the piano and organ. While living in New York City, she had the experience of a lifetime playing the organ for St. Patrick's Cathedral. Jeannie also loved playing the pipe organ at St. Stan's. Additionally, she served as the Director of Music at St. Jude's in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Paul, Minnesota, St. Bernard's in St. Paul, St. Charles in Northeast Minneapolis, and St. Mary's in Stillwater. Most recently, Jeannie played for the Polish Heritage Society of Winona and Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka. No matter where she was playing, she always used sheet music, as just winging it was not something she was comfortable with. In addition, Jeannie had a deep love for her country and was known for her patriotic music such as "God Bless America" at the end of Mass. Ice skating was another favorite activity, and when relaxing at home she liked watching television, reading, and sewing. For years, her Pomeranian, Sunny, was her treasured companion. Later in life, Jeannie was forced to slow down some after suffering a stroke in 2007. In the years that followed, there were other smaller strokes as well. Dementia had also become more intensive over time. Pat tenderly cared for her at home for as long as he was able, but when she needed more care she moved to Lake Winona Manor where she spent the remainder of her days. Jeannie joined the angels and her loving family who've gone before her on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Lake Winona Manor. She was surrounded by family and Sunny. The family would also like to thank the friendly staff at Lake Winona Manor for their loving care.With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Eugenia Smith lived fully in the moments she was given. Described as generous, blessed, and loving, she treasured nothing more than being surrounded by her friends and loved ones. As someone who was self-motivated and driven to succeed, Jeannie was also a bit of a perfectionist since if she wasn't good at something she simply didn't do it. Truly beautiful on the inside and out, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Pat Smith of Winona; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings, Frances, Gertrude, Harry, Margret, Modesta, Joe, Ted, Steve, Bernice, Mary, Richard, and John Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Michalowski John Rybarczyk, Joe McLafferty, Terry Smith, Michael Rybarczyk, and Hunter Michalowski.Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka with visitation one hour prior. Monsignor Roy Literski officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery and a reception will follow at the American Legion Post 9.The family prefers memorials be directed to the Polish Museum, 102 Liberty Street, Winona. They would also like to thank the friendly staff at Lake Winona Manor for their loving care.