Wanda Cecelia Smyt, age 98, passed to her eternal home while sleeping January 22, 2026. Wanda was born on June 20, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Julia (Biel) Smyt. Wanda never married and had no children. 

Wanda had a love for music and was an accomplished pianist and also participated in many choirs, including Grand Traverse Chorale. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids where she served as an organist and choir director for many years. She worked as a supervisor at Michigan Bell Telephone Co. (later AT&T) until her retirement.

 Wanda is survived by her niece, Cathleen (Charles) Thayer, and their two children and four grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death were her mother, father, two sisters Irene (Raymond D.) Bush-Neumann, and Estelle (Ted) Nalepka, as well as two nephews Kenneth M. Bush and Raymond E. Bush. 

A Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids at 11a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass. Afterwards family and friends are invited to a luncheon in the Social Hall.

 Memorial contributions may be sent to Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com