Constance Smith Zanin

August 11, 1920 - June 23, 2016

Constance Smith Zanin, 96 of Rockford passed away on June 23, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 11, 1920 in Rockford, IL. Daughter of George H. and Connie (Ellis) Smith. Attended Roosevelt Junior High School, where she was the recipient of the first American Legion Scholarship. Constance was a dedicated worker, assisting her teachers during her spare time and vacation periods with various projects and activities. She and her husband Mario owned Elm’s Recreation in Rockford, Mar-Al-An Business in the 40’s and 50’s in Elgin. She was employed as a buyer for several stores, including Joseph Speiss Company, and Owens, Inc. She managed Singer’s Specialty Sportswear Shop, later worked as a bookkeeper for Mangels Dress Shop; manager of two Jane Lee Stores and secretary for John M. Smythe Furniture Company. She was a charter member of Contacts at Court Street United Methodist Church. Constance served in various volunteer roles throughout her life, volunteering as the Sunday School Superintendent for the Winnebago Methodist Church, serving on the YWCA board in Elgin and at the YMCA in Rockford, where she served on the Encore board, focusing on Women’s Health Issues in 1968, and as President of the Boy Scout Troop on Charles in Elgin. Member of Women of the Moose, Four Son’s Club Loves Park; golf chairman of the Thursday Golf League of Macktown. She played golf at Atwood at the Red Bard with the “Happy Hookers.” Constance excelled at Bridge, belonging to several clubs including the Sand Castle Group in South Beloit and the Atwood Bridge Club. Constance was a world traveler, she attended the 1939 World’s Fair in Chicago, and took numerous trips to Canada, Europe and Latin America. She traveled with her mother to London and Paris to trace their British ancestry in 1950. Most of all she was devoted to her loving mother, Connie Smith who raised her from the age of 12. Survived by grandson, Frank J. Zanin Jr., granddaughter Christina Marshall, and five great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her four wonderful brothers, George H. Smith, Frank E. Smith, Howard Smith and Cyril Smith; husband Mario Zanin; Honorable Son, Col. Frank J. Zanin (USMC, Lawyer, Judge and Prosecutor); brother, Howard Smith; and wonderful uncle Thomas M. Mack. Private burial in Owen Center Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army Temple Corps; 500 S. Rockford Ave. Rockford, IL 61104. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.