MADISON - Mary Ellen Smith, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare, surrounded by her family. She had been courageously battling both Crohn’s and Parkinson’s for many years.

Mary Ellen was born on June 15, 1946, in Portage, the daughter of Thomas and Kathryn (Schmitt) Shortreed. She graduated from Portage High School in 1964 and MATC in 1965. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael Smith, on July 3, 1965, in Portage.

Mary Ellen worked in clerical positions for different organizations over the years. She retired as an office manager from Conney Safety in 1999. She participated in the Who's New of Madison, was on the Monona Swim Club Board, was a Brownie and Cub Scout leader and she was a volunteer at Winnequah School.

Mary Ellen loved camping at state parks when the kids were younger. The family took many trips to Florida and other warm weather destinations over the years. Mary Ellen loved baking with her grandchildren and was a dedicated swim Nana at their Monona Grove and Monona swim meets. She was an avid Badgers fan, especially football and hockey. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards. She loved getting together with her women’s breakfast group, meeting up for book clubs, and going shopping with family or friends. Mary Ellen was a great listener and counselor for her family and friends and was admired for her loyalty, positivity, strength and unconditional love. She had meticulous style, was an amazing host and infused fun into every get together.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter, Michele (Brian) Storms; son, Marc (Tonilyn) Smith; grandchildren, Ashley, Grace and Eric Storms, and Makena and Trevor Smith; seven siblings, Gary (Lorna), Duane (Judy), Sandra (Dave) Gunderson, Carol (Fred) Krez, Douglas (Bonnie), Leona and Robert (Joan); sisters-in-law, Muriel, Judith Ann, Helen, Mary Pauline, and Bonnie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings, Thomas, Donald, James, Kathleen Hoppe, Kenneth and Philip.

To know her is to love her.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, with Father Mike Resop presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Mary Ellen’s name to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. The family wishes to thank the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for all of their wonderful care and support given to Mary Ellen and her family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mary Ellen Smith

June 15, 1946 - January 16, 2024

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