Elizabeth “Betty” Smith , Age 91


October 16, 1930 --February 27, 2022

It is with a deep sense of love and loss that we share that Elizabeth "Betty" Smith, age 91 of Baraboo, WI, slipped into a peaceful slumber and went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

Betsy (or Betts as she was known in childhood), the eighth of ten children born to Clyde and Rosemary Brady Gallagher, was born in Madison and raised in the big white house on Grand Avenue in lovely Lodi, WI. She enjoyed the mayhem of growing up in a large, boisterous, loving family.

A few years out of high school, mutual friends arranged a blind date with fellow Lodian David Smith and the adventures began. Shortly after graduating from college the US Army stationed Dave in beautiful Garmisch Partenkirchen (Bavaria/Germany), where the young couple spent the first two years of their married life. On weekends and holiday, they delighted in exploring Germany and surrounding European countries.

Immediately upon their return to the US, Dave and Betts started a family, raising their four children first in Spring Green and later in Baraboo, WI. The family was active out of doors in every season.

Betty was always in motion an avid walker and noted golfer. She had beautiful penmanship and was a lifelong letter writer and card sender ... a faithful friend. Betty and Dave enjoyed decades-long friendships with people they met in high school, college, army days, Spring Green, and Baraboo.

In past years Betty was a Licensed Real Estate Agent working with McGann Realty/Coldwell Banker, and a dental assistant to Dr. John Lobaugh. She truly enjoyed her work. At various times in her life Betty was an active part of Baraboo Country Club, St. Clare Gift Shop volunteer, Council of Catholic Women, and the Sauk County Irish Club.

After retirement the couple enjoyed spending part of the winter months in either Florida or Arizona. In her later years, winters were spent in Wisconsin where she enjoyed reading, baking, and making homemade soups.

Fifteen months ago, Betty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She opted out of surgery and elected to be kept pain free . Her beloved Dr. Randy Krszjzaniek along with SSM Hospice were true to their word in helping her achieve her goal. A warm thank you to Dr. Krszjzaniek and the staff and residents at Oak Park Place for their many kindnesses, Betty loved you dearly.

With her family at her side, she "showed up" for every day ready to give life her all. Pre-existing health concerns combined with cancer eventually overrode her strong will and Betty, active up until three days before her death, gently departed her earthly home as her family surrounded her, with their hearts overflowing with love. Thinking of Betty will always bring a smile.

Betty is survived by her children Barbara Smith of Baraboo, Dr. Thomas Smith of Mukwonago, Theresa (Donald) Hacker of Ripon, and Mary Anne Haynes of Waukesha; grandchildren Emma Smith, Aidan Smith, Benjamin (Nicole) Hacker, Drew (Ashley) Hacker, Anne Hacker, Dustin (Rebecca) Hacker, Abigail Haynes, Laura (Trevor) Nichol, and Karen (Micheal) Sharkey; great-grandchildren Quinn, Norah, Graham, Avery, Reed, Reece, Seth, Brynnley, Silas, Grace, and Hezekiah; a brother, Paul (Carol) Gallagher of New Berlin; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Gallagher of Lodi. She also leaves behind many cherished friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; three sisters; and five brothers.

A mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Baraboo. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at the church. Aluncheon will follow directly after the service at the church, burial will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery following the lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Sauk County, Baraboo Homeless Shelter, or a charity of your choice.



Condolences

Penny and Dennis Quandt March 04, 2022

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Smith Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time,She is back with Dad ..God Bless you all.

Penny and Dennis Quandt March 04, 2022

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Smith Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time,She is back with Dad ..God Bless you all.

Kym White March 05, 2022

Friend St. Petersburg , Florida

My thoughts and love are with you ❤️

Bob & Annie Griffith March 06, 2022

Friends Baraboo WI , Wisconsin

As a fellow golfer she was one of the sweetest people ever !! She sold us our home and was proud of us for having done so !! We were good friends for many years!! May the peace of the Lord be with her family and all who loved her !! May she rest in the arms of her Lord !!

Dave and Jo Lane March 08, 2022

Friends Lone Rock , Wisconsin

Dave and I send our deepest condolences to the Smith family. Such a caring lady. Carry on in her name the best you can.

Ann Adkins March 10, 2022

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Betty was a volunteer at St Clare gift shop for many years, always friendly and smiling. She will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Susan Sprecher March 11, 2022

Friend of family Baraboo , Wisconsin

Smith Family - I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to speak to each of you at your mom’s service. So many people paying tribute to a dear and special person. Your folks raised a lovely and loving family; I think of you all every time I go by your house on East St. My deepest condolences and remember, your mom is only a prayer and a memory away.