Grace Marie Smith, 63, of Chicago, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, IL.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 12:45 pm Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Grace will be 1:00 pm Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with James Callahan officiating. Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery in Asbury.

In addition, a Memorial Service for Grace will be 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Northwest Bible Chapel in Chicago, IL, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.

Grace was born December 12, 1960, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Daniel Harold and Martha Maria Carrera Smith.

She was a 1977 graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School. Her educational journey continued as she pursued her passion for counseling and social work. From 1977 to 1980, Grace dedicated herself to studies at Emmaus Bible College, followed by a period at Barrington College from 1981 to 1983. In 1982, she attended Triton College and Circle-Jane Addams and, in 1983, Denver Seminary adding to her wealth of knowledge. Grace culminated her academic pursuits with a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa.

With a heart devoted to service, Grace dedicated an admirable 33 years to social work, specializing in child welfare. For the last 12 years of her career, she lent her expertise to the University of Illinois, leaving a mark on the countless lives she touched. Beyond her professional achievements, Grace will be remembered for her warmth, empathy, and unwavering support for those in need. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was an active member of Northwest Bible Chapel in Chicago and embraced life with a zest for various passions, including her cherished moments fishing with her father and family in Canada. Being with family and embracing her role as an Auntie brought her immense joy. Grace had a profound appreciation for music, especially hymns, and found solace in the written word through her love for reading. Her artistic talents shone through in her crafting endeavors, and she found peace in the gentle strokes of watercolor. She also held a special affection for vintage items and heirlooms, cherishing the stories they held.

Survivors include one sister, Anita Mae (James Patrick) Callahan of Oak Park, IL; one brother, John Daniel (Lori-Ann Elizabeth) Smith of Dubuque; eight nieces and nephews, Bess Virginia Callahan, Hannah Elizabeth (Elliott) Harrington, James Patrick Callahan Jr., Bethany Grace Smith, Dora Mae Callahan, John Daniel (Kate) Smith Jr., Linda Blyer Callahan, Jane Maria Callahan; one great-niece, Anna Lee Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Daniel Harold Smith Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northwest Bible Chapel in Chicago, IL, and the Daniel H. Smith Scholarship Memorial Fund at Emmaus Bible College.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Grace’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.