Helen Christine Smith (nee-Holbrook), passed away peacefully Saturday January 17, 2026 at the age of 98. Born September 6, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio, Helen was a lifelong Elyrian, graduating from Elyria High School. After graduating she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas W. Smith, co-owner of Holbrook & Smith Appliance, Elyria/Lorain. Helen worked in the family business for a period as a bookkeeper.

Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elyria where she was a Rainbow Girl in her youth and later attended Bible study. She was a volunteer at Elyria Memorial Hospital and was involved in Little League with her husband and son. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and vacationed in Bermuda, throughout the Caribbean, Hawaii, England, Scotland and elsewhere in Europe. A highlight was a trip with the entire family to Spain in 1978. Helen was an avid reader and library patron. Helen loved all animals, but especially cats. She sponsored various animal causes and charities. Also a sports fan, she loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and Norte Dame football, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Guardians. Helen regularly watched Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Judge Judy. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, tenacity, humor and her legendary potato salad.

Survivors include her children, Jared (Carol) Smith of Elyria and Marilyn (Larry) Schuster of Roswell, Georgia; grandchildren, Erik (Rachel) Smith of Mainville, Ohio and Jesse (Ethan) Smith of Dublin, Ohio; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte Smith, Grahm Smith and Liam Smith of Maineville, Ohio.

Friends may call Tuesday February 3, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria. Burial will follow at Brookdale Cemetery.

At Helen’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Elyria or the Friendship Animal Protective League of Elyria.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com