Sheila Smith

Smith, Sheila Leone
Saginaw, Michigan

Our kind-hearted, generous and wonderfully playful Sheila passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved. She was 82 years old.

Sheila Leone Smith was born July 5, 1944, in Saginaw, to Louis Francis and Eloise Laura (Blondin) Smith. She attended St. Mary Cathedral High School in Saginaw before graduating from Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids. It was at Marywood that Sheila took her vows with the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. During her years with the order, she was known as Sr. Mary Mannes, OP, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Aquinas College. In 1969, after her mother passed away as a result of breast cancer, Sheila left the convent to help care for her younger siblings.

Back in Saginaw, Sheila continued the work that would become such an important part of her life. She taught English and French at St. Mary Cathedral, Saginaw High and Arthur Hill High Schools. She also continued her own education, earning her Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan, Flint. Sheila retired in 2003 after more than 30 years in education, having taught generations of students who loved her as fiercely as she loved them. 

Sheila was passionate about teaching, both in the classroom and outside of it. She was an avid reader, an author and poet, and wrote several books, including one inspired by her childhood. Sheila also had a flair for style that was entirely her own. She was adventurous, spirited and never afraid to be herself. For Sheila, the world was something to be explored, books were something to be devoured, and life was something to be enjoyed, with a little mischief and a lot of curiosity along the way.

Most of all, Sheila treasured her family. Her courageous and mischievous spirit will be deeply missed by her sister, Connie Smith; Connie’s daughters, who were raised alongside Sheila and shared a special bond with her, Denise Fogus Gibson and Michelle (Brian) Espinoza; their children who affectionately referred to her as ‘Gram’,: Leah Espinoza, Ryan (Jessica) Gibson, Sam Gibson, Benji Gibson, Audrey Espinoza and Evan Espinoza; siblings, Louanne Smith, Darren Smith and Sean (April) Smith; niece and caregiver, Sonya Smith; and many additional cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, colleagues and dear friends.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Eloise Smith; and siblings, Terry Smith, Sharon Dupuis, Dennis Smith and Lance Smith.

In keeping with Sheila’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Her family will celebrate her life at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Back Orchard Barn, 11001 Wilkinson Road, Freeland, MI 48623. Family and friends are invited to gather from noon until the time of service at the Barn.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to The Trevor Project, providing suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth, at https://give.thetrevorproject.org, or the youth literacy program READ Association of Saginaw County at https://www.readsaginaw.org/donate.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Sheila’s family at the Back Orchard Barn or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.