ARLINGTON-Elizabeth Jean Smolinski passed away Friday, January 1, 2021 at the age of 69.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: At a later date.
INTERMENT: Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Jean was born December 10, 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended and graduated from Stoughton High School. Jean worked at France Inc for several years. During her time there, she made a lifelong friend and even traveled to France with Walter. After retiring, Jean decided she needed to get out of the house (not because her husband was home with her ALL DAY LONG). Because she loved being around people, she took a part time job at McDonalds. Little did any of us know, it ended up being a fulfilling endeavor. She met so many people and touched so many lives while there. It was there that she earned the ever-so-fitting nickname, “McGranny.” Since fully retiring, Jean took on a new role as a full time freelance political analyst. Without her, the Republican party would cease to exist. Jean’s impeccable interior decorating skills were unrivaled! Her style would take you on a trip around the world…sometimes all in one room. Jean loved to go on cruises with her family. The destination was not as important as who was going to be with her. Her favorite part of the ship was the casino. She would sit at a blackjack table and talk to her fellow gamblers until she lost it all. She also loved to play Bingo – even though the same people always won. Without question, her favorite pastime was being a grandmother. Granny relished her role as a keeper of cookie-consumption secrets, singer of precious lullabies, and coloring book Picasso. She loved her grandchildren and beamed with pride when speaking of them. She was an incredible grandmother. It is impossible to identify a single memory as the fondest. Truth be told, she made it a point to make lasting memories with each and every member of her family. Whether it’s a pot of her famous pasta sauce or an expertly bedazzled pair of pajamas, no single memory is more cherished than the next. Every one of them will live on in the hearts of her family. Jean was the proud, yet humble, recipient of the coveted MOM of the year award…46 years in a row.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elizabeth Dahlroos; and sister, Loretta Clayton.
SURVIVORS: Loving husband of 50 years, Walter John Smolinski; son, Joe Smolinski and wife, Tammy; son, Scott Smolinski and wife, Jennie; daughter, Tina Martin and husband, Michael; grandsons, Austin Johnson, Justin Smolinski, Knox Martin, and Luke Smolinski; granddaughters, Shelby Johnson, Kori Martin and Lily Smolinski; brother, John Angelopoulos; sister, Betty Dahlroos; and many friends.
Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home
425 S. Henderson St.
(817) 335-4557
laura khadempir
I had such a love for my best friend. She was beautiful, smart, witty and loving. I miss her phone calls, visits, playing cards, bingo and cruises. She loved her Family so much and was so proud of them. When we talked we were part of each others families. The end of each visit or call we competed to tell each other I love you more and like the sign she gave me says “I Love You More The End” I will see you again My Sweet Jean.
Stephanie Zschirnt Middleton
I have known Jean since Tina and I were inseparable in elementary school. I considered her and Walter my second parents. She treated Tina’s friends like we were her own. As we got older, we sprouted out into different limbs on the same tree, further apart but never completely separated. But I never forgot the warmth I felt from Jean and Walter. I loved seeing her at McDonalds. Then my oldest son and Joe’s youngest, Justin, became instant friends in elementary school, just like Tina and I had. I loved being reconnected to the Smolinski family! It reminded me of all the times Tina and I would ride out bikes to each other’s houses, sleep overs, playing Girl Talk! Lately, I have enjoyed seeing what Jean was going to post on Facebook each day! I prayed for her when I found out she had contracted Covid and eventually had to go into the hospital. I contacted Tina and she said mom was starting to feel better, and then the next day, I saw a political post from Jean. I praised hallelujah! Jean is on the road to recovery! When I finally read about her passing, my heart broke for Walter, Joe, Scott, Tina and their families. She meant a lot to a lot of people. She had that very memorable voice that I can still hear today. I will miss you very much Jean and I want Walter to know how much she meant to me and my parents as well. She is probably up there, playing bingo and raising some stink about the political happenings of today! Prayers for a peaceful transition into this new season of life for the Smolinski family.
Jo-Ann Barley Overstreet
I grew up on Brickel Road with Jeannie. Her and my sister Sue were the same age, me being younger. But yet we had the best “gang” in our neighborhood. We’d ride bikes, play games, make snow forts and have snowball fights. Ice skate in the ponds, sled. And Jeannies mom, aka Big Betty was a love to us all, as well as her dad Kelley. I remember when Jean met Walter, married. And sadly moved away. But got to visit when ever she’d come home. She was a love of my mother Margie, a special dear friend. I loved being in touch with her via FB. Had many meaningful conversations. Will miss her political banter… LOL. I’ll MISS her.