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Smith, Bonnie Lee (Mader)

Bonnie Lee (Mader) Smith (October 12, 1943-April 6, 2012) died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer. Bonnie was born October 12, 1943 in Neenah, WI and lived the majority of her life in the Fox Valley area; particularly Appleton, Dale and New London. Bonnie graduated from Appleton West High School in June 1962 and began work in the retail and service industry. Bonnie married Russell Smith (Appleton, WI) on February 13, 1965 and they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. Bonnie was the proud mother of two children, Wendy Smith-Lacombe (Bogota, Colombia) and Cory Smith (Fort Hood, Texas). Bonnie worked most of her life from home caring for her two children. Out of the home, she worked in the retail and service industry in the Appleton and New London area. Bonnie enjoyed travel – particularly her family trips to France, Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming; reading, craft-fairs, the Green Bay Packers and spending time with her family, dear friends and spoiled cats. Bonnie loved old movies from the 1950’s and spending time out on her deck watching the hummingbirds and the occasional deer. Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer twice, beating it both times, receiving her wish, which was to see her children and grandchildren grow. Bonnie was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London, WI. Bonnie is the daughter of the late Grant and Margaret Mader (both of Appleton WI); and the sister of Aloha Maxwell, who all preceded her in death. Bonnie is survived by her husband Russ Smith (New London), her two children, Wendy Smith-Lacombe (Bogota, Colombia) and Cory Smith (Fort Hood, Texas); 5 grandchildren: Caitlin Smith (Texas), Grant Smith (Texas), Pablo Lacombe (Colombia), Luc Lacombe (Colombia) and Mila Lacombe (Colombia). Bonnie is survived in life by her daughter-in-law Jennifer Resch-Smith and son-in-law Francois Lacombe. Bonnie is survived by her in-laws, Cindy and Art Kvam (Freedom, WI); Gary and Bev Smith (Appleton, WI). She is survived by several nieces and nephews: Dawn Maxwell (Beloit, WI); Steve Maxwell (Sun Prarie, WI); Brian Ehricke (Houston, TX); Chad Ehricke (Appleton, WI) and Kim Therrien (Kaukauna, WI); Pam Smith (Duluth, Minnesota) and Christy Smith (Long Island, NY). She is also survived by her aunt Betty Williams (Neenah, WI); a cousin Sue Wiseler and various other cousins in the area. Bonnie was the Godmother of Lil George Mitze (New London, WI) and a dear friend to many. The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors who enabled Mom’s passing to be as peaceful as possible, and in the comfort of her own home; particularly the Theda Care Hospice staff for doing their best to make Mom comfortable in her final months of life. The spiritual support that was provided by Pastor Marcus Schultz was greatly appreciated by Bonnie and her family. We would also like to thank family, friends, and neighbors who all came together in our time of need. The funeral service for Bonnie was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 200 E. Quincy St., New London, with Rev. Marcus Schulz officiating. Family and friends called at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Bonnie’s final resting place will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, Bonnie wishes for a Memorial Fund with the proceeds going to her preferred charities. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, 209 W. Cook St., New London, www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

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