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Jeanine Anne Smith
Born: 2/28/1934
Died: 3/14/2025
Age: 91
Community: Flint, MI
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Jeanine A Cowan 1934-2025
Jeanine A. Smith (Cowan) -- of West Branch and Flint, Michigan passed away peacefully at her home on March 14, 2025. She was 91 years old. Jeanine, also known as “Granner” and “Auntie” was born in West Branch, Michigan on February 28,1934 to Veneta R. Buschlen and Earl Robert Cowan. She was the oldest of two children, her sister was Kay Leone Belanger (deceased). Jeanine was a 1952 graduate of West Branch Public School and an active Alumni member right up until her last days. She actually had the checks written out for the Alumni Banquet in May and just missed sending them out in the mail. Jeanine had so many great friends from her growing up in West Branch and had so many stories to tell.
Jeanine had two marriages, Jack Leroy Voss (deceased) and DeWain Milton “Bud” Smith (deceased) producing, two children, Jani Autumn Masse (Voss) and Michael J “Mj” Smith.
Jeanine was an incredible musician and singer. She played the organ and piano in church as a young adult for many years and also sang opera as a soprano. Her voice and piano playing ability mesmerized and entertained many friends and family throughout the years. She could play absolutely anything, from popular pop music to Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven. One of her most inspirational classics was “Claire de Lune - by Debussy.” This was very apropos, as her love was the Loons flying and singing over Clear Lake where she spent years with her grandparents as a child. Jeanine lost her mother at the age of 15, her father and all four grandparents by the time she was 22.
Jeanine said, “I was mostly a tomboy growing up,” was an avid water skier, snow skier and deer hunter for many years, until she broke her neck diving off a dock on Clear Lake. She was one of the original switchboard operators for Michigan Bell Telephone, (now AT&T), starting in West Branch and then moving down to Flint as her husband “Bud” got a job for Chevrolet in the union. She worked for Bell telephone for over 30 years and was one of the very few with perfect attendance. She had an amazing “work ethic” who always stressed the importance of always being on time and never calling in sick. Jeanine was one of the kindest and most generous humans you could ever meet. She is well known for her reading books and searching for knowledge. She was persistent in always sending thank you cards, birthday greetings, condolences, anniversary wishes and sending checks to all her children and grandchildren, friends, and family throughout the year. In addition, she put her time and effort into donating to charities and causes including various religious, Indigenous Native Americans, police, fire, sheriffs, and veterans’ organizations, which will also miss her contributions.
Jeanine loved to travel to Florida when her and “Bud” had a timeshare and landed on each coast for over 30 years. She loved to drive. Even at 90, she was still driving up north to stay at the cabin. Driving the car was her real freedom because just walking was very painful.
Mom loved to play cribbage, chess and solitaire. She always had a book to read and would read at least three paperbacks a week. Always looking for the latest breakthrough in health and wellbeing. Mom was a devout Christian with a determined faith and daily talks with God. She prayed for her loved ones daily. She was always willing to share a word of encouragement and remind us of her faith in God.
In addition to her two children, Jeanine is survived by her son in law, Steve Masse (Jani), five grandchildren, Jae Masse, Janee Tolot (Andrew), Jerad Masse (Jade), Kylie Newman (Zack), Mason Smith (Sadie). Jeanine also has five surviving great-grandchildren, Kellie Katherine, Joel Jax, Alex Lee, Mason Jacob “Mj” and Westin Cole.
Jeanine is also survived by her loving nephews, Allen Belanger (Elaine), Daniel Belanger (Liz) and niece Cindy Belanger along with their children, Dustin, Taihja, Neil (DC), Tiffany, Danielle (Jeremy), Andrew (Vanessa), Brendan, Nick, Nathan, and Mark who referred to Jeanine as “Auntie.” Attending the Belanger Family Reunion was a big highlight for Jeanine as she enjoyed chatting with her extended family.
Jeanine had so many friends and cousins that she loved, it is hard to include everyone. She always spoke highly of her friends whom she loved to see and enjoyed spending time with but not limited to: Vineta Elliot, Jack Weir and daughter Shannon, Nancy Rosevear, Fran Billings and son Brad, Denise Williams and her daughters, and her neighbor Yvonne Brokaw.
Jeanine requested to have no funeral service so as not to inconvenience anyone. If you knew Jeanine, she was always looking out for everyone to save money and not spend, her quote: “Don’t Put anyone out!” If you ever went out to dinner, it was extremely hard to pay the bill, as she would secretly talk to the server beforehand and force them to give her the check. She will be sorely missed, as they just do not make them like her anymore. She was one of a kind. Rest in peace Momma.
Arrangements are being handled by Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Grand Blanc, Michigan 48507. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
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Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
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3/20/2025 |
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| Funeral Service |
| No Service |
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