Ann Smith

Smith, Ann Michele MADISON - Ann Michele Smith, age 47, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, following a long illness. She was born on Oct. 14, 1959, in Manitowoc, to Marie (Nee Mirabile) Smith and the late Walter G. Smith. She attended St. Paul Grade School and graduated from Roncalli High School in 1978. Ann received a bachelor of arts degree in English and a bachelor of science degree in educational studies with a concentration in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Ann received a master of science in educational psychology/rehabilitation counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1984. She received certification as a rehabilitation counselor (1985) and as a professional counselor (1993). Ann had a long career in service to the State of Wisconsin including positions with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Governors Committee for People with Disabilities, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Workforce Development. She dedicated her life to issues of affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and civil rights. She served on many commissions for the City of Madison and the State of Wisconsin, including the Equal Opportunities Commission of Madison, The Citizens Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities and the Affirmative Action Commission. Ann was a mentor and true friend to many people, especially people with physical and mental challenges, giving generously of her time. She is survived by her mother, Marie Smith of Manitowoc; sisters, Felicia (Joseph) Rosland-Reindl of Sheboygan, Constance Hendrick of St. Paul, Minn.; brother, Walter (Christine) Smith of St. Louis, Mo.; nieces, Ann Marie (Ron Buckanovich, M.D.) Rosland, M.D. of Ann Arbor, Mich., Connie (Chris) Boeckl of West Bend, Elinor Hendrick of Cottage Grove, Minn., Emily Smith of St. Louis, Mo.; nephew, Adam Hendrick of White Bear, Minn.; cousins and many special relatives and friends. Ann was preceded in death by her father; and sister, Mary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Entombment will be at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at the church, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Access to Independence Inc., 2345 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704, (608) 242-8484, info@accesstoind.org., whose mission is to join with people with disabilities to create access to the community through education, action, and choice. Ann served as a board member and Vice-President for this organization from 2000-2006. Her family would like to thank all of the staff of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center for their help and support.