Kathryn "Kay" Sundberg Smith
December 24, 1926 - December 01, 2017
Obituary
MONONA-Kathryn M. Sundberg Smith, known by her family and friends as “Kay”, died on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. She was born in Lake Linden, MI. to Edmund and Elsie (Schleeter) LaMotte, on Dec. 24, 1926. On May 24, 1945, she married Kenneth E. Sundberg in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. As an Air Force Officer’s wife, she traveled extensively throughout the United States and Japan. She actively participated in military wives support and volunteer activities for 20 years. Kay cherished her many friends made during that time. In 1984, she married Richard H. Smith. They enjoyed a blended family, traveling, bridge groups, and just being together. Dick preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by her daughter, Susiene M. Sundberg (Bill) Royson; and grandchildren, Kenna (Paul), Alison and Brian; great-grandchildren, Chandler, Cade, Grace, Samantha, Daniel, Sadie, and twins Delaney and Gage; they brought endless joy to her through phone conversations, snuggling and memorable pictures; step-children, Donald (Mary) Smith, Kathy Connery, Cheryl Johnsen and Robert (Terrie) Smith; step-grandchildren, Jessica, Jeremy (Melissa), Stacy (Tim), Eric, Mariah, Michelle and Kyle; great-grandsons, Carter, Landon, Tanner, Cooper, Graham and Charlie, she treasured each one as her own; sister-in-law, Carol Sweet; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her sister, Barbara and brother-in-law, Charles Johnson; brother, Donald and sister-in-law, Jewel LaMotte; and sister, Mary and brother-in-law, Thomas Bridges. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to her favorite charity, St. Vincent de Paul or to a charity of your choosing in her memory. A sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and everyone who took such wonderful care of Kay. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Thu Dec 7, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Monona • 5101 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Dec 7, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Monona • 5101 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Kathryn have been shared yet.
Memories
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Jaclyn Schmidt
Other •
I am so sadden today realizing that this beautiful, vibrant, funny and incredibly kind woman has left this world. It was always a better world with her in it. She was a good and special friend to my Mother Kathleen and I would always relish in the stories Kay would tell about my Mother and her. My sympathy to her family and friends in this time of grieving but none of us will EVER forget this lady and we will keep her alive in our memories always. God Bless and hold her in your arms dear Lord. until we meet again! Jackie S
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Sue Long
Other •
Kay was a very good friend to my mom Pat Burek, who died many yrs ago. She helped take care of mom when she became ill, and gave dad a break. We had many fun talks about mom over the yrs; she was a wonderful lady. Sue (Burek) Long
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Robin Brown
Other •
Kay was my friend who I enjoyed talking to and helping out when she needed it. The best part is she was a beautiful person who was full of life and a rays of sunshine that I will miss dearly. I hope she will be my angel to guide me the rest of my life with lots of smiles and happiness. Robin Brown
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Dawn Alioto
Other •
I am a nurse and I knew Kay for a few years. She is one of my all-time favorite people. I was always happy when I called her. Her smile always made me smile. I called her, "My Little Lady". She was such a sweetheart and I will always remember her. I'm praying for her family and friends to receive comfort and strength.
KC
K Cliffe
Other •
I met Kay through the women's study group at St. Paul's. A wise and wonderful woman, she made quite an impression on my young mother self. I count it among my blessings that she was part of my life, even though briefly. Her beautiful spirit is treasured and will be remembered. love and peace, k cliffe
DK
Diane Kuehn
Other •
Kay had gumption! Every single day she found the good where most people could not and would not even try to see the silver lining. Coffee. She loved her coffee in the morning. When she didn't want a cup, that was the only clue you'd get that she wasn't quite herself. She was not one to complain. Ever. She was a joy to be around.
Walking into the sunroom, she always paused in the threshold, took a deep, cleansing breath and looked at the glorious day in front of her. Her eyes and smile giving away she was ready to take on the day.
She was a great conversationalist and could tell a memory that read like the Dickens, literally! Her recollection was so sharp, she could reminisce with such detail, that each story held captive its listener.
She had a discerning palate and loved good food! It is a testament of the great cook and baker she was. I can't recall any ingredient or food she didn't like. I often teased her about how much she could eat! We always had a good laugh about that.
It was truly an honor to know her and I will miss this fantastic woman terribly!
Blowing a kiss to you in heaven.
Love,
Diane