Adrienne Smith
October 17, 1992 ~ February 27, 2017
Adrienne Leah Smith, 24, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully at home February 27, 2017, after a courageous six year endeavor with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, by Fr. John R. Flaherty. Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at St. John's with a vigil service and sharing of memories at 3:30 p.m.
Adrienne was born October 17, 1992, to Craig and Jean (Frauenholtz) Smith of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Survivors include her parents and a brother, Collin of Ames, Iowa; her grandmother, Leona Smith and husband Bill Faoro; and many loved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Adrienne was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dudley Smith of Mount Vernon and grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy Frauenholtz of West Branch.
Adrienne graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2011. She was active in music, drama and speech. Adrienne attended her beloved Iowa State University and graduated summa cum laude in Biochemistry in December. A loyal, forever true alumni.
Adrienne had a passion for science and academics. She was active in departmental clubs, biochemistry research labs and enjoyed collaborating with classmates and faculty while at ISU. She was honored as a Stupka scholar and had opportunities to present her involvement in research projects while an undergraduate. In summer 2016 she studied in the Immunology Department at the Mayo Clinic in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. She had aspirations of furthering her scientific study in graduate school.
In her leisure time, Adrienne loved attending Cyclone football and basketball games and hanging out with roommates and friends. She cherished time spent at the family cabin in Guttenberg with cousins and friends. Adrienne enjoyed boating, snow skiing, baking, knitting and Netflix. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, singing, her snarky sense of humor and positive attitude.
Adrienne's optimism, strength, and private determination is an inspiration to all. The family would like to express gratitude for the loving support of family and friends and the dedicated care of health professionals at PCI, UIHC, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Hospice of Mercy.
A memorial in Adrienne's name is planned.
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thinking of you guys during these tough times. Love karen and Dave Vittetoe
Jean and Craig
Hugs and prayers. What a fighter she was.
Kathy Mens
I will never forget when Adrienne was Annie Sullivan in the Miracle Worker. She lived her life much as Annie did with determination. Hugs to the family.
Craig, Jean, Leona, and all of Adrienne’s family, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace and comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Deb Blaha
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry O’Brien
Leona, so sorry to hear this news about your gorgeous granddaughter!! What a lovely young lady and I knew her grandfather so well, dear Dudley!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers !! Bob Kaliban
I’m saddened to read about the loss of this young woman with such a beautiful smile. I know the hearts of family and friends are truly breaking. Be assured that God knows your pain and sorrow. He promises that soon death will be done away with, “swallowed up forever.” (Isaiah 25:8) Hearts will be healed when our precious loved ones are returned to life by means of resurrection. (John 5:28,29)
May you be comforted by all the promises of God, who cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Hold on to all your happy memories and may they too bring you comfort and peace.
Jean, I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers for God’s peace to surround and lift you all.
Dear Jean, Craig, Collin, Leona, Bill, and extended family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you this morning. As soon as I heard the news, my heart sank thinking of all that has been lost. Yet, in her brief stay “here”, she gave much love to friends and family alike and certainly inspired me with her amazing hope. I immediately thought of a wonderful memory and testimony of her strength…a few years back, as she was in treatment, she joined the Easter Vigil choir and sang like an angel with her beautiful flowing scarf of many colors. She was a songbird and on that holy night, I was awestruck at her beauty and grace.
Jim and I are praying for you and weep with you at the loss of a beautiful young woman.
She is safely and lovingly in the arms of God and grandpa Dudley.
With our sympathy, prayers, and love, Cindy and Jim Kendall
With our sympathy, prayers, and love, Edward, Lisa, Sean & Lila Dougherty
Dear family of Adrienne Smith,
I knew your daughter for only a brief period of time – we met at the Mayo Clinic this past summer, where I was a visiting student like her. Her and I were part of a group of friends that did most of our adventures and exploring together, and I got to know your daughter well. She was always filled with energy, sass, and tenacity. Her dedication to the field was impressive, and I enjoyed talking to her about science, immunology research, and her professional aspirations. I have fond memories of watching the TV show “Botched” with her and our friends every Tuesday night.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you my love and care as you work through this incredibly hard time. Your daughter is an amazing woman and friend – I will miss her.
– Mando Ramirez
To the entire family of Adrienne, our sympathy. We are thinking of you and praying for you at this very difficult time. From the family of Leon and Rose Leinen