Andrea Erlinne Smith

Free-spirited and passionate, Andrea Smith was a gift to all who were blessed to know her. Regardless of her daily battles, she always had a heart of gold and a vibrant spirit. Andrea's love for her family, sense of adventure, and passion for nature inspired others in countless ways. Though our days with Andrea were far too few, the gift of her life will long inspire our hearts and lives. 1989 was a year of great promise in our nation as well as the world. As the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War drew to an official end, students protested oppression in China's Tiananmen Square, and America freed the people of Panama from the tyranny of dictatorship, freedom rang from every corner of the globe. Nowhere was there more hope than in West Michigan as Blair Smith and Monica McGuire welcomed their daughter Andrea into their hearts and home on September 20, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Andrea had a special love for animals and did what she could to pick up litter whenever she saw it. Growing up in Plainwell, Michigan, Andrea enjoyed an active childhood. The youngest of the three Smith children, her sister, Gabrielle, and brother, Andrew, were her first friends. As a teen, Andrea participated on her school's competitive dive and cheer teams, earning her varsity letter in competitive cheer. She proudly graduated from Plainwell High School with the class of 2008, then headed for a year of adventure in Utah. While in Utah, Andrea worked in a clothing store and explored the area as much as possible. Her love of the outdoors was enriched by her long hikes and camping trips. Her passion for living holistically and being a good steward of Nature grew abundantly during this time. She believed in the healing powers that are naturally available, and she developed a strong voice for living more harmoniously with Nature. In 2009, Andrea returned to her Michigan roots and her family. She took a couple of college classes and found work in manufacturing. An eager foodie, she loved exploring new foods and creating new dishes. Over time, she became a good cook. Whether creating a meal or something to satiate her sweet tooth, Andrea was sure to infuse love in every morsel she made. On February 11, 2012, Andrea became a mother. Her son David was her heart and soul. Delighted by the honor of motherhood, Andrea cherished every moment she shared with her boy. She enjoyed sharing her love of books, animals, family, and music with her son, as well as the inherent beauty around them. Andrea's free spirit and confident march to her own drumbeat was the foundation of her motherhood. This past year, Andrea found lots of friends and support in the sober community in Traverse City. For those who knew her best, it was clear that Andrea's heart and spirit were larger than life. She felt deeply, dreamed big, and strove to be the very best version of herself for her loved ones and the world. Despite the crippling grip of addiction, Andrea's authentic spirit radiated through the darkness. Unfortunately, the disease proved too powerful and ultimately took her life. Although this is not the path she planned, she is now free from the torment she valiantly battled. As we face the magnitude of our grief, may we find deep comfort in our many treasured memories and the knowledge that Andrea is finally at peace. Andrea Smith, age 30, of Plainwell, passed away on June 4, 2020. Andrea's family includes her parents: Blair (Nancy) Smith and Monica McGuire; her grandparents: Joanne Smith, Dennis McGuire Jr., and Denise Gross; her son David MacKenzie and his father Gerry; her step-brother Rob Sursely and sister in law Megan Smith; special nephews and nieces: Logan, Leo, Kohler, Luke and Bailey Jean; her step niece Alyssa and step nephew Nick. as well several cousins, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by siblings: Gabrielle Smith and Andrew Smith; Her grandparents: Bernard Smith and Janice McGuire. A memorial service will take place on June 10 at 1:00 at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; Marshall-Gren Chapel at 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell. For those unable to attend due to the pandemic, the service will be streamed on Facebook Live. While visiting Andrea's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com, please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial donations can be made to the Allegan County Animal Shelter.