Will County Gazette

Charmaine ‘Babe” Smith, 71, passed away at her home on Sunday, November 3, 2024. She is survived by her children: Jay (Stacy) Babiarz, Steve (Amanda) Babiarz, Mary (Michael) Kestel, Randy (Nicole) Smith, Crystal (Bill) Horn, Melissa (Steve) Malone; grandchildren Jacob, Johnathan Babiarz, Tyler Babiarz, Kayleigh Morris, Emily Smith, Paul Kestel, Andrew, Alexis, Mia, and Ava Smith, Willow, Hazel, Maple, and Sage Horn, Levi, Maebry, and Sadie Malone; great grandson Kane Morris; siblings Tony Ortiz, Barbara (Wayne) Breymeyer, Linda Sparks, and Dolly Pitula. Preceded in death by her husband, David Smith; son, Dusty Smith; grandson, Ryan Smith; parents, Fabian (Louise) Ortiz; siblings Michael Ortiz, Frank (Judy) Ortiz, Arlene (Earl) O’Hara, Renee (Larry) Newton and a sister in infancy, Marie Ortiz.

Babe was born on November 28, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, and spent many years in Manhattan with her husband David Smith and seven children. She had a career as a bartender before becoming the owner of Gallagher’s Pub with her husband. She was known for her generosity and support of community organizations.

A funeral service for Charmaine will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 3:00 p.m. Private internment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manhattan, IL. Donations in her memory can be made to Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Arrangements are by Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan, IL.

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