Kazumi Smith

Kazumi Tonosaki Smith, of Machesney Park, formerly of Tokyo, Japan, was born on September 25, 1935. "Jeannie," as she was known to her American friends, was daughter of Matsutaro and Rin Tonosaki. She married Joseph Edward Smith in 1956.  The couple moved to Rockford, IL, and have resided there for the last 47 years.  Kazumi was a beloved member of North Love Baptist Church for almost 5 decades and was active in community outreach for many years.  She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking.  Kazumi was preceded in death by 3 of her 4 children: Carol Smith Wing, Richard Smith and Linda Smith Langkait.  On Friday, March 31, 2017, Kazumi passed from earth to heaven and was reunited with her 3 children.  She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joseph Smith; son, Clifford (Beth) Smith; 14 grandchildren, Dianne, James and David Wing, Marie, Michael, Joseph, Abigail, Benjamin, Magdalene, Elijah and Elisabeth Smith, Lydia (Duncan) Soucy, Sherry and Clifford Langkait; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Tomio Tonosaki; and sisters, Chieko Matsubara and Akiyo Kawaii. Joe and Kazumi believe that although they are vibrant and beautiful, flowers too quickly wilt and die. Therefore, their wish is that in lieu of flowers, all donations be made to North Love Christian School.  Investing in the education of our future is a gift that is eternal.  The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Harvey Einhorn and the nurses at Swedish American Regional Cancer Center, Connie from Visiting Angels, and granddaughter, Dianne. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 7, at North Love Baptist Church, 5301 East Riverside Blvd., Rockford.  Burial will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.