Penny Anne Smith

Penny Anne Smith, age 85, passed away peacefully on October 30th at her home in Hudson, WI, with family at her side.  Penny was born in 1939 in Ripon, WI, to Matty and Glen Bump. She grew up in Fond du Lac, WI, where she graduated from Goodrich High School before attending the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where she met her future husband, Robert. Penny went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and later completed her master’s degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Penny dedicated her career to teaching English at Viking Middle School in the Baldwin–Woodville School District. She was passionate about education and played a pivotal role in the formation of her local teachers’ union. She genuinely loved her students and her role as a middle school teacher.  Penny and her husband, Bob, were married for 62 years. They raised their family in Menomonie, WI, before moving to Hudson, WI. They were devoted parents and grandparents who loved their family and their multiple canine companions above all else. They often enjoyed dinners out, going to movies, and traveling together. In retirement, Penny and Bob spent winters in Tucson, AZ, where they discovered a love for hiking and the natural beauty of the desert.

An avid reader and gifted writer, Penny was known for her intelligence and quick wit. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, who will miss her every day. She also had many meaningful friendships—special thanks to Karen Crawley, a dear friend and an essential part of Penny’s adult life.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Matty and Glen Bump; her brother, Gerry Bump; her daughter-in-law, Helen Chung; and her grandson, Samuel Smith. 

She is survived by her sister, Sandy Muldoon; her brother, Gordon Bump; her son, Brent Smith, and his daughters, Caitlin and Marin; her son, Mathew Smith, and his wife, Donna, and their children, Isabel and Reuben; and her daughter, Elizabeth Smith, and her husband, Adam, and their children, Emma (Thomas), Mira, and Zoey. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, River and Silas Goldberg.

The family will coordinate a celebration of Penny’s life at a later date.  O'Connell Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with cremation services.