Velma Smith

MADISON-Velma \"Vel\" Smith, age 76, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009 at Meriter Hospital after a long illness. She was born on October 24, 1932 in Burtrum, MN., the daughter of Arthur and Edith Johnson. Vel loved children and was a family daycare and foster care provider for over 40 years prior to working with Target. She received recognition and awards for her accomplishments in nutrition plans for kids. Vel was nationally recognized for her garden and was published in Rosewood Community magazine. She also had received numerous awards for her community service activities. Vel enjoyed bowling, fishing and dancing in her younger years. She was very passionate about her Cubbies and was a Packers and Brett Favre fan. She is survived by her sons, Gary (Leticia) Nyquist, Chuck (Janel) Smith and Bill Smith; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister Erma Peck and other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved son, Mickey and siblings, Sylvia, Artis, Rena and Arnold. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2009 with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at Meriter ICU for their loving care provided to Vel. Visitation: Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Service: A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2009 with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding.