Eve Smith

Eve Smith (née Licari), age 97, of Warren, Michigan, died on December 1, 2023, at Ascension Macomb Hospital from complications of COVID-19 infection. Eve's faith was central to her life and she faced death peacefully, stating that she looked forward to meeting her "Maker." Born on June 23, 1926, in the Detroit home of her Sicilian immigrant parents, the late Salvatore Licari and Antonietta Licari (née Aiuto), Eve was the middle child of three sisters. Growing up on the eastside of Detroit as a first-generation Italian American, Eve treasured her heritage and spoke both English and Italian. An excellent student, she graduated from Pershing High School in 1944. She remained close to her school friends throughout her life. Her professional life began at the Warren Tank Arsenal during World War II, followed by 31 years as an executive secretary at Gaylord Printing Company. Later, she found her most rewarding work as the Front Desk Receptionist at Whitter Towers Senior Retirement Center, where she was lovingly called the “Whitter Psychologist” by residents. Eve met Thomas Smith, at a dance hall in Detroit while out for the evening with her younger sister, Angela. Tom, a carpenter, had recently immigrated to the United States from Glasgow, Scotland. Eve was drawn to Tom’s Scottish accent and gentle nature. Three years later on October 26, 1957, Eve and Tom married. Sherry, their only child, was born the following year. Together, Eve and Tom shared a passion for travel, music, and live theatre. Their journey included a memorable trip to Great Britain, where Eve met her pen pal Connie for the first time after 22 years of correspondence. That friendship continued for another four decades until Connie’s death. Eve and Tom enjoyed life together until his death in 1992. Eve valued friendship and nurtured her relationships through visits, phone calls and cards. Her love of Christmas was evident in her tradition of sending Christmas cards. Remarkably, at age 96, Eve sent over 50 handwritten Christmas cards to loved ones, a testament to her devotion and thoughtfulness. Eve’s interests were many. She was creative with a flair for fashion, decorating, interior design and floral arrangement. Eve was fond of antiquing and had a keen eye for finding “treasures.” Eve was a talented cook, known for meals seasoned with love. A gracious host, Eve enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home and creating beautiful table settings. She made sure no one left hungry. Eve was a warm-hearted, affectionate woman who greeted loved ones with a hug and kiss on both cheeks. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She was fun-loving and never missed a chance to tell a joke. Eve’s sense of humor and zest for life brought joy to all who knew her. She truly believed in living “la dolce vita!” A faithful parishioner of St. Mark since 1957, Eve expressed her faith through regular church attendance and acts of kindness. Eve’s final act of charity was the donation of her body to medical science at Wayne State University, just as her husband had done 31 year earlier. Eve was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 35 years, Thomas Smith; dear sisters Mary (Martin) Otto, and Angela (Leslie) Brunett; and treasured nephews Michael (Patricia) Otto, and Robert Brunett. Eve is survived by her beloved daughter, Dr. Sherry Smith and son-in-law, Dr. David Cunningham. She found great joy in welcoming David into the family when he married Sherry in 2008. Eve also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews, Ronald Otto, Annette Trudell, and Donna (Jason) Siejutt; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jacob Otto, Jonathan Otto, Abigail Trudell, Grace Trudell, Smyth Siejutt, and Sullivan Siejutt; and great-great niece and great-great nephews, Brooklynn Otto, Kristopher Otto, and Leo Wilczynski. On October 16, 2025, a Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mark Catholic Church, 4401 Bart Avenue, Warren, Michigan, 48091. Eve will lie in state at 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10:00am. Immediately following Mass, Eve will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 17100 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48234. She will be interred in a family plot next to Tom, and where her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law and nephew, Robert Brunett, also are interred. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Eve’s name may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit, www.cskdetroit.org, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207.

Eve Smith

June 23, 1926 - December 1, 2023