Florence “Duffy” L. Smith of Prior Lake, died peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the age of 86. Duffy was born in Grand Rapids, MN on September 8, 1928 to Jack and Lucille (Shannon) Mann. She was one of six children.
After graduating from Deer River High School in 1946, Duffy moved to the Twin Cities where she began working for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M Company).
On June 18, 1949 she married Cyril “Hank” Smith. They were fortunate to celebrate 50 years of marriage and raise four children; Dianne, Tom, Judy and Jan.
Duffy was dedicated to raising her children as well as caring for many children during her years as an in-home daycare provider.
Among her many talents, she was an avid bowler, loved to do crafts and cook. Duffy was a long-time and active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. She was a woman with respected values and strong faith.
While her job here on earth is complete, she will forever remain in our hearts as a blessing to all who knew her.
Duffy is survived by her children, Dianne Erickson, Frostburg, MD, Tom (Ellie) Smith, Savage, Judy (Russ) Patterson, Scotts Valley, CA, Janice Bixby, New Prague; grandchildren, Bryan (Lori) Erickson, Brenda (Jeff) Parker, Brittanie (Jeremy) Moore, Joshua (Rachel) Bixby, Levi Bixby, Anneka Bixby and fiancé Nicholas Kelly; great-grandchildren, Daryn Erickson, Felix Parker and Zoey Kelly; siblings, Ernest Mann, Deer River, MN, Loretta Bemis, Fairbanks, AK, and Jack Mann, Deer River, MN many nieces and nephews and long-time friends. Duffy is preceded in death by her husband, Hank Smith; parents, Jack and Lucille Mann; grand child, Brayde Bixby; son-in-law, Dennis Erickson; brother Wayne Mann; sister, Virginia Mann.
A Celebration of Duffy’s life will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 am , with visitation from 9:00-11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. Reverend John Vaughn and Reverend Stern will preside. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Prior Lake.
Memorial contributions in memory of Duffy may be made to the Charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude for all the prayers, love and support during this time.
The Smith family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
