August 12, 1941 – April 5, 2023
With great sorrow, the Smith, Tranguch, and Barata families announce the passing of our loving, one-of-a-kind wife, mother, nana, sister, and aunt, Jeanne Claire (Tranguch) Smith at home on April 5, 2023.
Born in Hazleton, Pa., on August 12, 1941, Jeanne was the daughter of the late John Tranguch Sr. and Mary Tranguch. Jeanne was the matriarch of her five siblings, as well as the matriarch of her own family. She often ruled the roost, could easily light up a room, and had a smile that could save any party.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her brothers, David Tranguch and Lawrence Tranguch; and godson, Robert (Bobby) Tranguch. Surviving is her husband Jeffrey, Fishers, Ind.; children, Scott, Logansport, Ind., Sharon, Indianapolis, and Christopher (Jennifer) and granddaughter Sophia Smith, Syracuse, Ind.; brothers, John (Judy) and Raymond (Portia); sister, Jacqueline; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Early in life, Jeanne married her most dedicated friend, partner, confidant, and (eventual) caretaker, Jeffrey, in 1962. They began their married life together at Purdue University while Jeff pursued his doctorate degree and Scott and Sharon entered the world as “Boiler babies.” A move to Fort Wayne, Ind., proved to bring more joy to the family as they welcomed son Christopher and created many life-long friendships.
Jeanne earned an associate degree from the McCann School of Business and later owned and operated Good Time Tours, a tour bus company, for more than 20 years in Logansport, Ind. She offered a variety of excursions to her “Good Timers” – from dinner theaters, Broadway shows and mystery trips, to Branson, Mo., Ireland, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Jeff and Jeanne enjoyed many wonderful vacations together, including cruises, family gatherings in Pennsylvania, camping trips, and visits to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City, and many other destinations. They provided their children and granddaughter with all the love, comfort, humor, and stability a family could ask for.
Jeanne often served as the caller during family games of bingo and enjoyed decorating for the holidays, entertaining friends, talking on the phone (especially with her sister Jackie and daughter Sharon), listening to music, and any time spent with her beloved granddaughter Sophie. Family time was always Jeanne’s favorite time.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15, with services at noon, at Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary, 12010 Allisonville Road, Fishers, followed by burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. A celebration of life reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Muir Woods Clubhouse, 9098 Muir Lane, Fishers.
The Smith family would like to thank Paradigm Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care, whose incredible staff, particularly Rochelle, often went above and beyond to make sure Jeanne’s final days and weeks were comfortable and that her every need was met.
Memorial donations may be made to: VFW Auxiliary, Italian Heritage Society of Indiana Scholarship Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, and Trinity Episcopal Church (Logansport, Ind.)
Condolences: randallroberts.com