Rosalie Smith's Obituary
Rosalie L. Smith, age 94 of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, November 21, 2008 in her home. On August 29, 1914 she was born in Oshkosh the daughter of Leo and Edna (Leonard) Smith. She was a lifelong member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (St. Peter's site.) She was deeply religious. Rosalie retired from the Winnebago County Court system as a clerk for Judge Arpin. Prior to her employment in the Court, she worked at Sexton Can Company, Foster-Lothman Lumber Co., and Haase's Shoe Store. Rosalie was a dedicated worker and made many friends over the years. Rosalie was very proud of her Irish hertiage and was known for her infectious witty humor that often brought a chuckle or a laugh into her conversations. Family was extremely important to Rosalie. Although unmarried she showered her love and affection on three generations of family members. She loved children and would revel in their noise and merriment. Spending time with children both in her family and in the families of her friends brought great joy to her. She was extremely generous and many of her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and great grand-nieces and nephews would often discover a surprise gift of cash in his or her pocket or book bag after a visit with Rosalie. She loved her flowers and being outdoors tending her garden.
Survivors include niece: Mary (Marv) Stille of Oshkosh; one nephew: John Kennedy of New York and Chicago; great nieces and nephews: Mollie (Andy) Konopka of Hartland, WI, Sarah Stille of Denver, Jennifer (Rolf) Russell of Chicago, Bethany (Dennis) Brunette of Appleton; and great-nephews: Peter (Grace) Stille and Dan Stille both of Chicago, Sean (Heather) Bauer of Byron, GA and Patrick Bauer of Green Bay and assorted great-grand nieces and nephew. Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters and one brother-in-law: Germaine and John Kennedy, Cecil Smith, one niece: Judith (James) Bauer and one nephew: Jerry L. Kennedy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 24, 2008 in the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (St. Peter's site), 435 High Street, Oshkosh, with Rev. Fr. William Van De Kreeke as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Oshkosh. Friends may greet the family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2008 in FISS & BILLS FUNERAL HOME (new location) 865 S. Westhaven Dr., and 10:00 to 11:00 Monday in the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is the family's wish that donations be made to a children's charity or buy a Christmas gift for a needy child in Rosalie's memory.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Aurora Hospice, and particularly her loving caregivers: Jan Cruz, Linda Brownlea, Mary Tranholm, Sandy Butt, Debbie Opperman, Diana Pope and others who provided care for Rosalie through the years. A special thanks to Fr. Bill for his visits and friendship throughout her life.
Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home 865 S. Westhaven Dr. 920-235-1170
What’s your fondest memory of Rosalie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosalie?
Share a story where Rosalie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosalie you’ll never forget.
How did Rosalie make you smile?