Obituary of Martina Smith

Martina Catherine Smith (nee Michalski), 82, of Zion, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home on Sunday, August 20, 2006. She was born August 14, 1924,in Loyal, WI to the late William and Margaret Michalski of Marshfield, WI. Martina was the wife of the late Robert L. "Vern Smith. They made their home in Zion, Il, where their marriage was blessed with five children. They met while working at the V.A. Hospital in North Chicago, IL. Martina later pursued her nursing career at the old Zion Hotel and then at Sheridan Health Care Center, from which she retired. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Martina enjoyed being at her home and working on her wordsearch and crossword puzzles. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert L. Smith, Jr.,(Marilyn Prahl) of Round Lake Beach, IL, Catherine (Terry) Oatsvall of Bristol, WI, David M. Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Patricia Casey (Lester Butler) of Zion, IL, William (Pam) Smith of Paw Paw, MI; former son-in-law Edward Casey of Zion; and former daughter-in-law, Betty (Mell ) Castillo of Zion, IL. She will also be remembered by eight grandchildren, Melliza Smith (David Bucholz), Michelle (Robert) Mennes, Bethany Smith, Robert Smith (Mary Sutton), Shannon Casey (Jason Carder), and Jenna and Matthew Oatsvall. She leaves eight great-grandchildren, Maranda Hile, Joshua, Joclynn and Joseph Mennes, Jasmine Smith and Shayla Carder. Also left with special memories are Martinas two sisters, Lois Michalski and Judy (Dale) Brumbaugh; and brother, Marvin (Lorraine) Michaski. She was the fond sister-in-law of all eight of her husbands siblings, Alma (Dent) Grant, Bonnie Kinley, Patsy Andersen, Marilyn ("Bugs) Durham, Dorothy (Ron) Thompson, Carolyn (John) Grant, Cynthia (Dale) Huegen, and Herbert (Margaret) Smith. Martina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, Bernice (Willard) Wilner, and a brother, Donald (Darlene) Michalski Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 25, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.. at Our Lady of Humility Church, 10655 W. Wadsworth Rd., Beach Park. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, from 5:00-8:00 p.m at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion.