Dwyn Smits

December 22, 1931
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November 18, 2022

Our beloved Mom, “Little Dwynnie”, the first and ever best friend to 4 daughters and devoted sweetheart to Don, died on Nov. 18, 2022, surrounded by great love, passing into the greater love of her Savior.  It gives us peace to imagine that, fulfilling his promise, Dad, her husband of 67 years, embraced her and led her to meet her parents for the first time.

Born in Green Bay on Dec. 22, 1931, and orphaned at the age of 10 months, Dwyn and her 4-year-old brother, John, were raised by their Grandmother, Philomena Baye. Mom credited her abundant patience to Philomena’s example.

Mom attended SS. Peter & Paul grade school and graduated from East High School. To her eternal pride, she was selected to be the Blessed Virgin Mary at SS. P&P’s Christmas pageant.

Dwyn was a loving and steadfast wife, Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandma, Great G’ma, sister, sister-in-law, cousin and friend.

She married Don on Aug. 18, 1951 at SS. Peter & Paul, and followed him to Camp Pendelton, CA (Marines), and later braved a trip alone to Oahu with 3-month-old Debbie so Dad could meet his first born.  After Dad returned from service, they settled into their one and only family home on Pilgrim St. to raise their family.

Throughout her life, Mom loved dancing, camping, card club, game-playing, good music, travel (her favorite trip was to France and Italy (Rome) in 1999).  She and Don enjoyed many wonderful years at their Lake Buteau cottage.  Her favorite songs were “Somewhere in Time” and “Plaisir d” Amour”.  She and Don were charter members of St. Agnes Parish.

Mom first worked at Roland Crockery, where she met Don, and later at Kellogg Bank and the GB News Chronicle, but her most treasured role was that of “Mom”, and all that came with it, especially being a G’ma and Great G’ma.  She was always available to help, whether it was cooking, sewing, babysitting, or to lend an ear.  She was generous and kind and opened her arms and her heart to many.  Dwyn made so many of our friends feel as welcomed and loved as family.

She was a dedicated wife and caretaker to Don, who struggled with his health for many years.

She was a collector of many interesting things, a writer of lists, a writer of greeting cards, an avid reader and a treasure to her family and friends.

She prayed daily, and often turned to St. Jude for help.  She loved her family intensely and will be forever remembered and loved by them.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, John & Julia Baye, brother John (Joyce) Baye, brother-in-law and sisters in law, Jim & Joan Smits and Joanie Smits.

 

She is survived by her 4 daughters (The Smits Chicks), Debbie (Steve) Latus, Kathy (Bob) Smits-Linsmeyer, Carol (special friend, Phil Christman) Herlache, Nancy (Bob) Warpinski, her grandchildren Matt Latus, Carrie (Ryan) (Latus) Hager, Michael (Svitlana) Herlache, and Dana (JT) (Warpinski) Crosby, her great grandchildren, Aidan, Emma and Eliza Hager, and Hallie Ann Crosby, 2 brothers in law, Larry (Gail) Smits, and Roy Smits, and many beloved nephews, nieces, friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, November 23rd,  at St. Agnes Catholic Church.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Rev. Patrick Beno officiating.  Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.  To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.

Special thanks to Brookview Meadows for many years of care and friendship to both Mom and Dad.  Mom was a supporter of Wounded Warriors and Paul’s Pantry.