Obituary of Alyssa L. Smith

Alyssa L. Smith, age 16, of Plainfield, died suddenly on Tuesday March 14, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born October 12, 2000 in Joliet, she was a sophomore at Plainfield South High School. Alyssa was a caring and giving person who loved animals and children. She was passionate about her volunteer work at Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue, Joliet, and at the Little Cougars Preschool at her school. She also loved music, dancing, taking pictures, and following the Chicago Blackhawks and Green Bay Packers. Alyssa was a beautiful young woman with a beautiful soul and was loved dearly by her family and friends who will miss her forever. Her final act of generosity was being a donor through the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. Surviving are her parents, Janice (nee Tasharski) and Nicholas D'Andrea of Plainfield, and Jason and Jenni Smith of Manhattan; her brothers and sisters, Jenna DuSchene, Jeffery DuSchene, Christopher Smith, Steven Michalak and Anthony D'Andrea; her grandparents, Vivian and Howard Smith and Angela and Pasquale D'Andrea; great-grandparents, Shirley and Nick Shoemaker; many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends; and her faithful companion, Wrigley. She was preceded by her maternal grandparents, Eugene and Dorothy Tasharski. Visitation for Alyssa L. Smith will be held Monday, March 20, 2017 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the family to be distributed to Alyssa's favorite organizations and charities would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com