Laurel Smoes Phillips

Laurel Smoes Phillips of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on March 22, 2026, in New Hope, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her three children, Elizabeth (CJ) Murawski, Peter (Meghan) Phillips, and Benjamin Phillips; her six grandchildren, JR and Maverick Murawski, Brady, Peter, and Emma Phillips, and William Phillips; her daughter-in-law Ashley Herendeen Phillips; her sister-in-law Becky Freie; and extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elizabeth Smoes, and her in-laws, Bud and Polly Phillips.

Laurel lived a life defined by curiosity, discipline, and deep care for others. She often reminded her children and grandchildren that “to be interested is to be interesting,” and encouraged them to “do well in all things.” Her sharp wit, clarity of thought, and steady presence shaped those around her in lasting ways.

A graduate of Nazareth College and the University of Michigan, Laurel earned a Master of Science in Nursing Health Services Administration. A proud Wolverine, she was always quick with a spirited “Go Blue!” She began her career in healthcare as a nurse and educator, becoming the youngest to serve as Head Nurse of the Children’s Unit at Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital, and later holding roles at the University of Chicago hospital system and Nazareth College.

After stepping away from her career to raise her three children, Laurel returned to the workforce with determination and purpose. She joined the University of Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, where she rose from analyst to Director. Her work focused on improving patient outcomes through data and research, and she co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading medical journals. She had a rare ability to make complex information understandable and meaningful.

While she was deeply accomplished professionally, Laurel considered her greatest achievement to be raising her children. She was an active and engaged presence in their schools and activities, supporting communities at The Gagie School, Maumee Valley Country Day School, St. John’s Jesuit, and Notre Dame Academy. Whether on the sidelines of a game or organizing behind the scenes, she brought energy, structure, and humor to everything she did.

She also shared her perspective more broadly, co-authoring practical guides for parents navigating competitive youth sports. Blending her organizational skills with her lived experience as a mother, she created resources that continue to guide her children as they now raise families of their own.

Laurel remained grounded throughout her life, often saying, “no matter where you are, there you are,” a belief she carried with her from Grand Rapids to Chicago, Kalamazoo, Findlay, and Toledo, building community wherever she went.

A memorial service will be held at Walker Funeral Home (5155 West Sylvania Avenue Toledo, OH) on Saturday, June 13, 2026 with visitation from 2:00p to 6:00p, with remarks and a time for sharing memories beginning at 4:00 PM. Please join us to celebrate Laurel's life.