Barbara J. (Shillin) Smith, age 89 of Kewaunee, died peacefully on Monday, October 4, 2021, at Aurora Baycare Medical Center with her family by her side. She was born on May 17, 1932, in the city of Kewaunee to the late George and Leone (Berkovitz) Shillin.
She attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1950. On April 25, 1953, she married Allan J. Smith at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kewaunee and he proceeded her in death on September 2, 2015. They shared 62 years together.
Barb worked for Mac and Evelyn at the Coho Motel but most of all was devoted to her family as a homemaker. She spread much love and left a legacy for her family. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother with a generous heart and a strong faith. Barb loved cooking, baking with her grandchildren, tending to her garden, traveling, the beauty of flowers and was an avid sports fan. Family gatherings around the holidays were a highlight and tree hopping always included a good Highball. She loved to find a deal when shopping and had a disposable camera to ensure she never missed a special moment. She was lovingly known as Grandma Chico to her treasured grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always doting on them and made sure to send them home with something special.
Barb is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Kay (Nickolas) Smith of Neenah; one daughter and son-in-law, Sheree and Greg Malvitz of Kewaunee; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; Phil Smith; Nick Smith; Ashlee (Chris) Vaughn and their children Owen, Drew and Bryn; Alicia (Joshua) Kleiman and their children Miles, Tate and Davis; Abby (Travis) Bruening and their children Ellie, Henry and Willa; six sister-in laws, Kaye Shillin, Judy Smith, Joyce Buckarma, Judy (Bill) Oswald, Jill Smith and Jackie Smith, her caregivers and fellow residents at Linden Manor and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Leone (Berkovitz) Shillin; her husband, Allan; one daughter, Sandra Smith; three brothers, George ( Lorraine) Shillin Jr., Donald ‘Barney’ (Patsy) Shillin and Dale Shillin; an infant sister, Madonna Shillin; a nephew, Ronald Shillin, her father-in-law and mother-in law, Alvin and Mildred Smith; three brothers-in-law, Alvin Smith, Pat Smith and Kenny Smith.
Family and Friends may call at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 521 Juneau St, Kewaunee on Friday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 p.m. with Father Amadi officiating, assisted by Deacon Chuck Agnew. The service will be live streamed at www.holyrosarykewaunee.com Go to "Parish" and click on "watch this weeks Mass".
The Smith family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Ken and Mary Kay and the entire staff and residents at Linden Manor for the compassionate care & kindness extended to our dear mother and grandmother. Special thanks also to Marcia Hayes, APNP, Tracy Sherman, MD and Deacon Chuck & Eileen Agnew for their compassion and loving care.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Holy Rosary Parish in Barbara’s name. Attendees should follow pandemic safety guidelines.
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