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Laura Jane "Hi'ilani" Smith
Neenah - Laura Jane "Hi'ilani" Smith is now held in the arms of heaven as she was called home to eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 6, 2021 at the age of 67. She was born in Dothan, AL on January 31, 1954 to Garvin and Virginia Smith. She was preceded in death by her dad, Garvin "Stretch" Smith. Laura is survived by her mom Virginia Smith, brother Dick (Debbie) Smith of Springfield, IL; sister Sandy Cunningham (John Lockwood) of Colgate, WI; brother Glen (Becky) Smith of Plymouth, WI; and brother Charlie (Lisa) Smith of Mukwonago, WI. She is further survived by her nieces and nephews, Jamie (Chris) Popham, Andy (Stacy) Smith, Ryan Cunningham, Adam and Kalani Smith, Delaney, Tyler, and Valerie Smith; and great-nieces Maelynn and Kinlee Smith, Harper and Hallie Popham, her great-nephew Koa Smith, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Laura graduated from Neenah High School and attended UW-Madison. She had many passions in life, but quilting, especially Hawaiian quilting, was her favorite pastime. She loved being outdoors and spent time camping and canoeing with friends. Laura also spent many wonderful years as a leader at The Boys' & Girls' Brigade in Neenah and especially at Onaway Island near Waupaca, WI. She was a dedicated and faithful servant of Jesus and spent countless hours volunteering and helping others at her church. Laura loved animals and had great memories of dog and cat friends over the years.
A memorial service will be held at Valley Baptist Church, 3600 N. Chippewa Street, Appleton, WI on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Noon. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until the time of the service. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Aloha 'Oe, Laura.
Laura's family would like to thank the compassionate and caring healthcare workers who assisted Laura at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah and Park View Health Center in Oshkosh. Your kindness means the world to Laura's grieving family.
The family requests that you wear a Hawaiian shirt or dress if possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Laura's name to the Neenah Animal Shelter, The Boys' & Girls' Brigade in Neenah, or Valley Baptist Church in Appleton.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah 722-7151
Condolences: www.westgorfuenralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Neenah.
My only memories of Laura were from Camp Onaway- but what a week she improved my life every year as a child/teen. My memories are few but great! A woman who changed my life!!!
Terry Syring-Quirk
August 16, 2021
Because of Laura I quilt.She help me with my first table runner.
She made the pattern and taught me what to do next.Laura will be greatly missed.
Dianna Grindstaff Abbott
August 10, 2021
Laura, you were a great inspiration to everyone who knew you. Your smile was Radiant, your silver hair just glowed, as you served our Lord. You always made everyone one feel welcome on Sunday morning coffee. You will be greatly missed Laura.
Patty Clark
Acquaintance
August 10, 2021
Remembering the life of Laura, a kind woman, a neighbor , her family and brother Dick who was a classmate. Laura loved to sew! We give thanks for the time she was with us. Sincere condolences to the Smith family.
Scott Dickson
Friend
August 10, 2021
My sincerest sympathy and much Love to Laura’s’ family. May warm memories ease your grief.
Deb Martola
Friend
August 10, 2021
Condolences to the Smith Ohana. Always enjoyed talking about Hawaiian culture with Laura. Jim and Garvin both being from Hawaii, we loved listening to their banter.
Spent many fun times with Laura at Brigade’s Camp Onaway. She did a lot to advance the girls programs at Brigade.
Mahalo. Rest In Peace, Laura.
Jim and Sue Vine
Friend
August 9, 2021
My condolences to the Smith family.
I met Laura in high school band and a few months later we moved into your neighborhood. Laura and I walked to high school together most days. She knew everyone and quite often someone she knew would stop and give us a ride! She was always so cheerful, outgoing, a good friend and smart! I admired her. Like a lot of us, we lost touch a few years after high school, which is sad. I hope you all find comfort in your memories.
Rest in peace my friend.
Mary Voiss Fetterer
Friend
August 9, 2021
I miss you so much my beautiful friend.
Kathleen Labby
Friend
August 9, 2021
It is very sad to learn of Laura's passing. She was a wonderful gal and good friend of mine in high school. Laura was an excellent listener, had so much wisdom and a great person through and through; I will never forget her. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. I feel lucky to have been able to chat with her in the grocery store a couple of years ago. She was always smiling and could make a person's day.
Nancy (Derfus) Breaker
Friend
August 9, 2021
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