Laurette Denise Smith

Laurette Smith, of Crystal Lake, was born June 26, 1957, in Chicago, to Jay and Lou Smith.  She ascended into heaven with grace and peace surrounded by her loved ones on February 4, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Lake in the Hills.

Anyone who knew Laurette would say she was a wonderful loving mother, who always put her children and loved ones first.  Family was her life.  She treasured and adored her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.  She taught her children to pray, serve others, put others first, do good, and love recklessly.  She was very good about expressing her love and adoration and told everyone how much she loved them at every opportunity, even in her final hours of her life.  Each time she spoke to her children she let them know how proud she was of them.

Laurette did not have an easy life.  She faced many trials and tribulations, health issues, and suffered many disappointments.  At a young age, she selflessly cared for her parents and siblings after her family suffered the tragic loss of her two older brothers.  She never let those hardships define her, and she never hesitated to show joy to others when she saw them.

Laurette is survived by her children, April (Diego) Pena and Shawn (Angela) Schadle; grandchildren, Braelyn and Courbin Pena and Isabelle, Chloe, and Allison Schadle; siblings, Diane Smith, Nanette Smith, Joseph Smith, Sharon (Don) Purdom, Karen (Jim) Crocco, and Tony (Michelle) Smith; and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Laurette is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucille Smith and brothers, James “Corky” Smith, Larry Smith, and John Jay Smith.

Laurette’s children would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Alden Park Strathmoor for all the loving care they provided to our mother.  We also would like to thank Journey Care for facilitating a peaceful and comfortable transition to be with her mother, father, and brothers in Paradise.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12, from 1pm until a service at 4pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.   Mass will be at 10am on Monday, February 13, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.