Talia Smith

Talia Joy Smith, age 20, La Otto, Indiana, passed away Wednesday August 18, 2010 as the result of a car-bicycle accident on Old S.R. 3 North of C.R. 400 S. Talia was born April 30, 1990 in Fort Wayne to Brad and Mary (Speakman) Smith. Talia graduated from East Noble High School in 2008, an Honor Graduate (top 10 in her class). She desired to pursue vocal performance and acting professionally, aiming toward Broadway. She was attending New York University, (currently a Junior, earning a 3.87 GPA) on academic scholarship to pursue her dream by majoring in Music Theater and Vocal Performance at the Steinhardt School of Culture and Education. She had just signed on to a new job as the Personal Assistant to the Assistant Musical Theater Program Director at NYU. Talia enjoyed singing, reading, dancing, shopping, being with her friends, and spending time with family. She attended church at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. She was a record breaking swimmer, beginning at age 6 with YMCA through freshman year in high school. Multiple show choir competitions, grand champion soloist; highlighted by wins at De Kalb, Belmont, Marion and Carroll. Talia was an Honor Thespian, landing many significant roles in EN productions. In June 2010 she performed professionally for the first time in concert at NYU for the 25th celebration of the faculty resource network. She is survived by her parents, Mary and Brad Smith of La Otto, grandmother Darlene Smith of Churubusco, aunt & uncle Nila and Ken Harman of Indianapolis, cousins Jacob and Jonathan, aunt & uncle Cynthia & Marty Boros of Houston, Tx. cousins Michael (Courtney), Melissa (Andy), & Catherine. Grandparents Greta & Bill Speakman of Garrett, aunt & uncle Bill & Dinah Speakman of Kendallville, cousins James (Emiy), April & Misty, aunt & uncle Deborah (Speakman) & Rob Aikins of Garrett, cousins Clifford (Grim), Cari (Grim), Dekota, aunt & uncle Kathy and Gary Carr of Kendallville; cousins Christina and Casandra, uncle Dan Speakman of Churubusco, cousins Amy (Bottoma), Amber (Bottoma), Daniel, Lisa-Jo; and a Special young man in her life, Christopher McMahon and his parents Patricia Repola and Jim McMahon. She was preceded in death by her Paternal grandfather Max Smith and Maternal aunt Barbara Speakman. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday August 24, 2010 in the First Christian Church located at 110 W. Waits Road in Kendallville, In. with Pastor Larry Smith and Dr. Thomas R. Clothier officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco. There will also be one hour of calling in the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Eel River Cemetery South of Churubusco For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, or to the family to set up a future scholarship find. (Please make payable to the parents). the family would like to give special thank you's to EN performing arts groups lead by Chris Mettert and Craig Munk for their inspiration and leadership. ********************************************** You are invited to leave a condolence for the family, and may do so by clicking on "Condolence" below.