Valerie R. Smelcer

Valerie Smelcer passed away, 16 March 2023 in Monroe, Michigan of natural causes. Valerie Ruth Lazette was born 1 May 1955, the first child of Rolland William and Margaret Donna (Russell) Lazette, in Monroe MI. She attended St. Michael School for 7 years and 6th grade at St. Charles School. She graduated from St. Mary Academy in 1973. Valerie attended Marygrove College graduating summa cum laude in 1977 majoring in history and minoring in English and psychology. She earned her Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in 1983. She taught at St. Mary Academy and then at SMCC for a total of 39 years until 2017 when she retired with familial midgut carcinoid cancer. Her SMCC family donated sick days, gave financially, prayed and supported her through this long ordeal. Valerie wants them to know that she loves and appreciates everything they did. Valerie Lazette married Michael Joseph Hill 23 August 1974 in Monroe, MI. They had Brent Michael Hill, Brad William Hill, and Ryan James Hill. They were divorced in 1987. She married Charles Kelly Smelcer 27 January 1990 in Monroe, MI. They had Collin Charles Smelcer. Valerie was blessed with 4 loving step-children: Kelly Scott Smelcer, Sean Patrick Smelcer, Krista Joy Smelcer, and Kenneth Troy Smelcer. Valerie has 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, her stepson K. Scott Smelcer, Frank Machcinski, four grandchildren Sydney Michell, Jude, Zaine and Hannah Hill. She leaves behind her husband, Charles Kelly Smelcer, her children, Brent (Sherri) Hill, Brad (Beth Sheets) Hill, Ryan (Amanda) Hill, Collin Smelcer, her step-children Sean (Christine) Smelcer, Krista (Troy) Mitchell, Kenneth (Susanna) Smelcer, 3 sisters Rhonda Machcinski, Elaine (John) Ang, Yvonne (Michael) Lax, and 1 brother Matt (Rhonda) Lazette. This family has a rare inherited cancer: midgut carcinoid. A team at N.I.H. in Bethesda, MD led by Dr. Stephen Wank are searching for this gene. The cancer can be found before symptoms. If you are a descendant of Cyriel Lazette and you have questions, you may contact the family. Valerie will be interred in St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe, MI near her gr-gr grandfather Cyriel Lazette Sr., Civil War veteran and a carrier of the familial midgut carcinoid cancer. All are invited to attend a Memorial Mass in remembrance of Valerie’s life at St. Michael Catholic Church on Tuesday, Apr. 4th. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Kishore Battu at 11 a.m. Private interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation and funeral arrangements in accordance with Valerie’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, for anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Valerie, the family suggests supporting SMCC High School. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Valerie R. Smelcer

May 1, 1955 - March 16, 2023