"I'm not going to die until I'm dead" was the determined slogan of Fran Smith back in 2008 when she was diagnosed with COPD following chemo for breast cancer. For the next 14 years, she lived that slogan gallantly with, as she said, "a hose in my nose." Recently, that determination could not conquer the continuous onslaught of her illness as she peacefully breathed her last breath on April 2, 2022, with her family and friends at her bedside, softly crying and praying her into a new life beyond death. She will be missed by many.

Fran is the eighth of nine children, born in Milwaukee, of Peter and Sylvia Hart, and as a young adult she joined the School Sisters of St. Francis where she served as a Sister teaching first grade in two parishes near Madison, Wisc. After leaving the convent, she remained in various forms of education for the rest of her life. Earning a Master's degree in Religious Education, she was an educational leader in Wisconsin, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Illinois.  She also worked for five years with clients in an alcohol and drug treatment program in Tulsa, Okla. She was then recruited to assume the role of principal at All Saints Catholic school in Broken Arrow, Okla. When she moved to the Belleville area, she became principal of Queen of Peace school for 5 years, retiring in 2004.

Fran married Tom Smith in 1974 and they are the proud parents of twins, Kevin and Karla Smith. Karla had bipolar disorder, and she tragically died by suicide in 2003. Two years later, Fran, Tom, and Kevin formed the non-profit organization, Karla Smith Foundation, now known as Karla Smith Behavioral Health . As a weekly support group leader for 15 years, Fran supported KSBH's mission to serve anyone with behavioral health conditions and anyone who grieved the loss of a loved one to suicide. Fran was noted for her effectiveness as a leader in these groups where she shared her wisdom, experience, and compassion. She also met with people privately on these issues.

Socially, Fran was known for her love of games, betting quarters on each hand of cards, round of bridge, or game of Hand and Foot. She always had a jigsaw puzzle in the living room which was the "hardest one yet" until it was completed and photographed. She was faithful to Wheel of Fortune , St. Louis Cardinals, and shopping for "tops." To her, vacation meant cruising, or visiting friends. Going to soccer, basketball, and baseball games of her grandkids was a highlight of any day. Her "hose in her nose" was an annoyance, but it did not prevent her from going places and doing things.

Fran was preceded in death by her daughter, Karla; her parents, Peter and Sylvia Hart and five siblings: Pat (Jack) Herrington, Betty Hart, Rev. Robert Hart, S.J., Mary (Tom) Hart, and Therese Herrington.

She is survived by husband Tom Smith, son Kevin Smith, daughter-in-law Emily Smith and her two grandsons, Luke and Christian. She has three surviving siblings:  Tom (Kathy) Hart, Julie McHale, and Jim (Ro) Hart, as well as 37 nieces and nephews.

Prior to her passing, Fran asked that donations in her name or memory be gifted to the family foundation, Karla Smith Behavioral Health . Her spirit and Karla's spirit unite in their lifelong mission to help others. Share your memories at www.wfh-ofallon.com . Fran's wish was to be cremated.

A Memorial Visitation will be 4-8 pm, Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon (directly across the street from KSBH).

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Monday, April 11, 2022 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. In lieu of a visitation prior to Mass, the Smith family will receive friends afterwards in the parish hall.  Lunch will be provided.

Fran will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.