Sylvia Raye Bajena

     Sylvia Raye "Puppy" Bajena, age 88, of St. Louis, MI, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Louis, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with Rev. Fr. Jim Carlson presiding. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, and again on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.
     Sylvia was born in Gratiot County, Michigan on May 19, 1937, the daughter of Earl Ray and Leona (Mason) Nelson. She graduated from Fulton High School. On May 25, 1957, Sylvia married Henry Sylvester Bajena. They were blessed with nearly sixty-four years of marriage prior to his passing on March 9, 2021.
     Sylvia loved and cherished her family. She was a tremendous caregiver. Family gatherings were very important to her as she enjoyed having everyone around. You could often find her stopping at garage sales, playing Bingo, and going to lunch with her friends. Puzzles were her favorite past time. She took pride in her garden and flowers. Her love of dogs earned her the nickname of "Puppy" for a lifetime.
     She is survived by her son H. Scott (Carmen) Bajena, and her daughter Lori Hale, five grandchildren: Kyle Hale, Amanda (Frank) Altadonna, Kaitlin (Mason) Darmody, Megan (Calob) Crumbaugh, and Brayden Bajena; three great-grandchildren: Paisley Hale, KellyAnn Crumbaugh, and Maylee Darmody; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry, granddaughter Sarah Bajena, and all of her siblings: Alta Jean (William) Feith, Virgil (Vernalda) Nelson, Letha Bush, Ada (Henry) Wiseman, Leota (Dan) Euler, Betty (Joe) Rozen, Edith (Morris) Marshall, LaVinna Moore, and Elsie Bigelow.
    Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.