Francine Marie Smith, 50

Francine Marie Smith, 50, of Kalispell, passed away Friday, March 11, 2011.

Francine was born Dec. 11, 1960, in Polson to James and Helen Lawrence. Francine was raised along with her two older brothers, Jim and David, and a younger sister, Heidi. Growing up, Francine spent most of her summers riding horses and swimming in Flathead Lake. Francine was very adventurous and enjoyed pestering her siblings, especially her younger sister Heidi. As a child she loved to dance, sing and talk to anybody who would lend an ear. When Francine was a teenager she dedicated her life to Jehovah God, symbolized by baptism.

Francine is survived by her four children, Brianne Brown, William Dempsey, Katelyn and Rachel Smith.

Francine married the love of her life and best friend, Anthony Paul Smith, on April 12, 1985.

Francine was a loving and unselfish mother and grandmother. She had a love for children and was nicknamed “aunty” to most children who knew her. From that nickname was born Auntie’s Daycare, a day care Francine held in her home for 12 years which provided a warm atmosphere for her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many others.

During the last hours of Francine’s life she stated that the greatest joy in her life was that of becoming a grandmother. She was a grandmother to two beautiful girls, Dacia Desiree and Rylee Marie, and one handsome little boy, Logan Shon. Francine also had a love for animals and was especially fond of her Boston bull terriers (her other grandchildren).

Francine made an impact on everyone she met. She was a generous host and had a way of making friends feel welcome and comfortable. Francine had a tenacious and feisty personality with an abundance of unselfish love she shined on all who knew her. Francine deeply loved her family and always captivated everyone with her glowing smile and beautiful heart. She will be missed.

A memorial service for Francine will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Kalispell.