MADISON - Lettie Monica Washburn (nee Smith) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Jan. 28th, 2024, just four days shy of her 94th birthday.

Lettie was born in 1930 in Liverpool, England to James and Ellen Smith. She had wonderful memories of her childhood despite living through World War II. After the war, Lettie attended Skerry’s College, where she learned secretarial skills such as typing and shorthand. She then went on to work as a secretary for the Heinz Company. In 1947, Lettie and her parents immigrated to the United States aboard the Queen Mary to join her sister, Sylvia, and brother-in-law, Jack. It was there that she met her future husband, Lloyd C. Washburn.

Lettie and Lloyd were married on July 17, 1949, in The Little Brown Church in the Vale. Lettie worked as a secretary at the University of Iowa Extension to support Lloyd while he finished his electrical engineering degree at the University of Iowa. They moved to the Madison area when Lloyd began his career at Wisconsin Power & Light and Lettie began her career as a homemaker, volunteer, and mom extraordinaire.

Lettie and Lloyd suffered the loss of their first-born son, Stephen, and went on to raise four daughters in Monona, Wis. They celebrated 62 years of a loving marriage until Lloyd’s death in 2011.

Lettie was a remarkable woman who brought joy and unconditional love to all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. Because of her warmth of spirit, she made friends wherever she went.

Mom, you taught us to strive to take the high road.

You taught us to forgive.

You taught us to look for the positive in all circumstances.

You taught us to find humor during both good times and bad.

You guided us and strengthened us in faith.

You lived your life with courage to speak up for what is right, and compassion for all creatures.

You always gave freely of your time, talents and love.

Thank you for your unconditional love.

Thank you for filling our lives with treasured memories and experiences.

Thank you for gladdening our hearts with your presence.

Thank you for the tea parties.

Lettie was preceded in death by her loving husband Lloyd; her parents, James and Ellen; infant son, Stephen; sisters, June and Sylvia; mother-in-law, Lillian Washburn; father-in-law, Charles Washburn; sister-in-law, Helen Clark; brothers-in-law, Frank and Melvin; nephew, Roger, and many dear friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Tom) Wellman, Devon (Dennis) Christenson, Dina (Clint) Christenson and Leslie (Jeff) Birrenkott; grandchildren, Drew (Sarah) Wellman, Kyle (Fran) Wellman, Seton (Blake) Houg, Hunter (Lindsay) Christenson, Cade Anderson, Cami Anderson, Teagan Birrenkott and Jase Birrenkott; great-grandchildren, Jenner and Quinn Wellman, Brynn and Elle Houg, and Jack Christenson; beloved nieces, Darlene, Tina and Julie; beloved nephews, Rod, Alvin, Edwin and Merlin; and her best friend forever, Betty Straka.

To the staff of Oak Park East: You gave our mom so much love and compassion during her end-of-life journey and we will be eternally thankful to you all. We also want to thank the Hospice staff, especially Alison, for the outstanding care and guidance you provided to Lettie and our family.

“Life is short and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So be swift to love and haste to be kind and may the blessing of God be upon and remain with you. Together always.”

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, followed directly by a funeral service at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Ave., Madison.

Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Wounded Warriors, or the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences maybe made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Lettie M Washburn

February 01, 1930 - January 28, 2024

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