Helen C. Smith

Helen Ann Cansfield Smith of Lake Mary, Florida passed away on October 14, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, aged 96. Helen was born on April 18, 1929 in Howell, Michigan to William Hartley Cansfield and Louese Emma Buck Cansfield. Helen graduated from Albion College and Eastern Michigan University in Michigan and was employed in Michigan and Ohio as a high school librarian.

Helen was predeceased by her parents; her husband The Rev. Wayne E. Smith, former pastor of the Altamonte Community Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida; and her son Craig Hartley Smith.

Wayne and Helen were married in Northville, Michigan on August 10th 1954, moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida with their four young boys in 1965 and later retired to Ocala, Florida in 1992 until they moved to assisted living in Lake Mary, Florida. While living in Central Florida, Helen was active in the Seminole County League of Women Voters, the Florida Council of Churches as well as their local church.

Surviving are brother William Buck Cansfield and wife Kay of Grand Haven, Michigan; son Stephen Edward Smith and wife Susie of Fort Pierce, Florida; daughter-in-law Virginia (Ginni) Smith of St Petersburg, Florida; son Timothy Alan Cansfield-Smith and partner Bruce Skilton of Hepburn Springs, Australia; son Thomas Wayne Smith and wife Elizabeth of Statesville, North Carolina; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

No service will be held locally but a service of ashes will be held by the family on St Joseph Island, Canada, a family summer retreat spot.

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