Julia Smyth

Julia (Etta) Smyth, age 93 of Plymouth, Michigan passed away on February 15, 2023.  She was born on April 6, 1929 in Crosshaven, Co Cork, Ireland to her parents, the late Mary (Dilworth) and Paul Sisk.

She was the beloved and devoted wife of 55 years to the late Robert Alan Smyth; loving mother of three children – Colette (Frank) Murphy, Valerie (Dr. Robert) Doane and Paula (Theodore) Rayha and adopted daughter, Anita Cooney; proud grandmother of Eimear Murphy, Eoin Murphy, Shannon Doane, Brendan Doane, Anna Doane, Kathleen Doane, Connor Rayha, and Bridget Rayha.  She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Julie worked for over 30 years at Zieger Hospital in Detroit then Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills.  She was loved by all who came to the cashier window to pay their bill or cash their checks.  She treated everyone with the same respect from the custodian to the physicians to the CEO.  

She was a lifelong member of St. Hilary’s parish where she truly found her community and her best friends!  She was a member of the Rosary Altar society and volunteered throughout the years at St. Hilary Catholic School. Following the closing of St. Hilary parish, she found a new home at St. Kenneth parish.

Julie and Alan loved taking trips back to Ireland with their daughters, and were blessed to still travel late in life with their grandchildren.  She loved seeing family and friends during these visits, and traveling the country with her daughters and grandchildren.

Julia had an infectious laugh. She loved life and shared her smile and happiness with all who knew her.  She had a kindness that knew no bounds, and she shared her gift with those she loved.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved being a grandma and caring for her grandchildren since birth.  Julie and Alan attended dance recitals, sporting events, school events, and graduations before their health declined and impacted their mobility.

For those planning an expression of sympathy and wish to honor the memory of Julia Smyth, you are invited to consider a contribution to Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207.  Contribution envelopes will be available at the Church.

Family and friends may visit at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Julia will be laid to rest at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan in a private ceremony.