Caroline B. Smith
November 01, 1937 - October 22, 2019
Obituary
MADISON - Caroline B. Smith, age 81, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. She was born on Nov. 1, 1937, in Verona, the daughter of Herbert and Helen (Mell) Meyer. Caroline graduated from Oregon High School in 1955. She was united in marriage to Thomas “Tom” Smith in 1983. Caroline worked as a deli manager at Kohl’s Grocery Store on East Washington Avenue through the mid-90s. Once retired, she chose another career, working at Walmart in the Fabric and Craft Department, bringing unexpected joy and assistance to her valued customers on any crafting project.
Caroline was a "Master" quilter and a member of the Monona Quilters, leading them on Monday mornings for more than 10 years and on quilting adventures throughout the Midwest. With her quilting talent, she draped her family with the products of her love, donated quilts to Project Linus, Vets, the Monona Community Center and many other appreciative charity groups in Dane County and beyond. Caroline was affectionately known as "Grammy" to her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She cherished the time they spent together going to lunch, making bon-bons or doing projects and most recently, teaching her great-granddaughter how to sew.
Caroline is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl (Michael) Sullivan and Julie Fernan; two sons, Tim Fernan and Dan Fernan; five grandchildren, Kelly (Hans) Noel, Casey Sullivan, Jesika (Steve) Blaskowski, Justin Kohn, and Nikki Fernan; great-grandchild, Kaylee Noel; brother, Tom (Sharon Hansen) Meyer; and sister-in-law, Rena Smith; Fernan in-laws; many nieces, nephews and dear friends she made in her quilting adventures, especially her very special friend/cousin, Barb Endres. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom; brother and sister-in-law, Don (Rita) Meyer; infant brother, Jimmy; two brothers-in-law, Bob and Ron Smith; and the father of her children, Ed Fernan.
Per Caroline's wishes, no services will be held. For those who wish to honor her, please make donations to the Linus Project (projectlinus.org/donations/), Monona Community Center or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
AN
Ann Nord
Other •
Though your heart must hold deep sadness at your loss of Caroline, may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared. Although it was only a short time that I had the privilege of knowing Caroline, I will miss
her. My Deepest Sympathy.
AN
Ann Nord
Other •
Caroline has touched the heart of these and many others. We will all miss her.
LG
Laura Gottlieb
Other •
Caroline Smith was a born teacher, an exceptional quilter, and a warm , generous, interested, and affirming leader of the Monona Quilters group. She brought her camera to every week's show and tell, taking pictures of every single quilt that was shown. This practice set the tone for the inclusive, accepting, and supportive nature of the group. Her sudden passing is both a huge shock and a great loss. I will miss her dignity, steadiness, warmth, leadership skills, and easy laugh. This highly skilled needlewoman helped to weave a disparate group of women into a thriving community: her death leaves a big hole in the fabric of our lives.
LW
LUCY WALTER
Other •
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CAROLINE, MOST OF YOU WILL NOT KNOW WHOM I IS I WORKED WITH HER AT WALMART VERY SWEET LADY, A LITTLE STORY FOR THE FAMILY I HAD A HOUSE FIRE IN 2016 AND SHE MADE ME A LAP QUILT WITH CATS ON IT BECAUSE SHE KNEW I LOVE CATS AND OUR CATS LIVED THRU THE FIRE AND AS MATTER OF FACT WHILE I'AM DOINGING THIS TRIBUTE TO HER I,AM LOOKING AT THE QUILT I WILL TREASURE THAT FOREVER, MY NAME IS LUCY WALTER AND SHE WILL DEARLY BE MISSED PRAYERS AND HEARTS GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY GOD BLESS, LUCY
IV
IRENE VANGORDER
Other •
Quilting will no t be the same without Caroline. She has always been there with a smile and always will ti share patterns or just helping. She gave us a look at many beautiful quilts she had made. You will be missed.
DB
Debbie Beich
Other •
Tim,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Debbie Beich