Pamelia Trupiano Smith

Pamelia Trupiano Smith went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 3, 2024. She was born on January 2, 1938, to Steven and Arlene Trupiano. After a brief marriage to Arlene, her father married Ernestine Lake Gill, and she was raised in a loving blended family.

 After high school, Pam married briefly and had two sons, James ( Barbie) Bennett and Stephen (Patricia) Bennett. In 1969, Pam met the love of her life, Rolland (Smitty) Smith and they were inseparable thereafter. They married in 1979.

 Pam graduated from Marshall High School in 1956, and attended Wright Beauty Academy, working in several local beauty parlors. She also worked in the food and hospitality industry and was a waitress at local restaurants including Win Schuler’s in Marshall, Michigan. Pam and Smitty also had their own catering business for many years and hosted Leila Follies cast parties in their home, Kingman Castle.

 Pam spent much of her life in the service of others through her volunteer work. Anything Pam did, she did with gusto. She was a hard worker, so she often rose through the ranks to become a leader of her volunteer organizations, including President: Battle Creek PTA council, and President: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 300. She served for 20 years on the selective service board in Missaukee County. Pam also served in several hospital auxiliaries including the former Leila Hospital, Battle Creek and Mercy Hospital, Cadillac. Pam was active in her church in Lake City serving as organist and was a member of the Altar Society.

After Smitty retired, they moved to Lake City, Michigan, where they were active in their community. They were also very involved in the local American Legion Post. For several winters, Pam and Smitty traveled to Louisiana to sell Christmas trees and visited family in the south. After moving back to Battle Creek with Smitty in 2016, Pam was an active member of Saint Philip Catholic Church and other local organizations. She enjoyed playing the lottery, going to the casino, and solving crossword puzzles. Pam will be remembered for her sense of humor, great organizational skills, her infectious laugh, her love of music, and for her love of dogs.

 Pam is survived by her husband, Rolland Smith, two sons, James( Barbie) Bennett and Stephen (Patricia) Bennett; grandchildren Jessica (Eric) Galle, Jimmy Bennett, Justin Bennett, Patrick Bennett, Benjamin (Kayla)Bennett; great grandchildren Bryce and Miles Galle, Oliver, Owen and Theodore Bennett; sisters, Lynda Kenyon, Cathy (William) Brodie, Terri (Dave) Barry; brothers Bill (Mary) Trupiano and Larry Diehl and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a catholic memorial mass and private burial will be held in the spring. 

Personal messages for Pam’s family may be shared at www.henryfuneralhome.org.