MADISON - Betty M. Smith, age 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. She was born on Dec. 11, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minn., the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Johnson) Potvin.

She married Duane K. Smith on July 2, 1947, and settled in Madison to raise their family. She was a homemaker until her children were teenagers and then went on to work at Wisconsin Employee Trust Funds and Meriter Hospital until her retirement. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Madison for 72 years where she was instrumental in bringing Meals for Madison to the church, a free community meal which continues today.

Betty enjoyed traveling with her friends and family through Elderhostel tours. Traveling throughout the US, Mexico and Europe. She made baby blankets and assembled layettes for Lutheran World Relief. She also enjoyed gardening, and spending time with her family.

Betty is survived by her son, Dennis (Donna “Sunshine”); daughters, Debbie Thorp and Donna Lottes; grandchildren, Dawn Line, Christopher Lottes and Jennifer (Kyle) Thompson; six great-grandchildren; brother, Douglas Potvin; sister, Gail (Dennis) Anderson; sister-in-law, Jane Potvin; and her beloved kitty, Slim.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Donald, Lloyd and Norman; sisters-in-law, Delores Potvin and Ann Potvin; grandson-in-law, David Line; and her husband's siblings, Howard, Edward, Watson and Mary Watson.

A celebration of life will be held at ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 605 Spruce St., Madison, at 12 noon, on Saturday, June 25, 2022. A luncheon and time of sharing will immediately follow at HOYT PARK, 3902 Regent St., Madison.

Memorials may be gifted in Betty’s name to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (stmarksmadison.org), UW Alzheimer’s Research (memoriesmatteruw.org) or Agrace HospiceCare (agrace.org/donate). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Betty Marie Smith

December 11, 1925 - February 10, 2022

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