Elizabeth J. Smits

Elizabeth Jane Daul Smits ("Betty"), age 95 passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023.
Betty was born October 6, 1927 to Matthew and Marie (Carney) Daul in Outagamie County, She grew up on the family's farm in Freedom, Wisconsin and attended St, Nicholas Grade School and Freedom High, She excelled academically, and when one of the elementary teachers at St. Nicholas took ill, Betty was asked to step in and teach the younger students for the rest of the year, even though she herself was just in the eighth grade! It was a very challenging year but with great fortitude, she made it through.
She married Norval Smits on June 28th,1949. Norval had finished his service in World War Il and they moved to Appleton. While he completed his degree in mathematics from Lawrence University, Betty worked as a Customer Service Representative at Wisconsin Telephone Company. They moved to various places, finally settling in Green Bay where Norval taught math at Green Bay East High School until his retirement. Once their four children were in school, Betty returned to the work force as Office Manager at Sperry and Hutchinson Co. She was an active volunteer at St, Matthews church and school, where her children attended. She was a member of the Ladies Altar Society and other affiliated parish groups.
Betty loved to travel, taking extensive trips with the family during the summer months. She and her husband traveled to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and many other destinations. Later in life, they enjoyed the Elder Hostel program which took them on many enriching trips. Betty was a very talented horticulturist who spent many hours in her beautiful yard. She loved nature, especially deer and bird watching at their home in Birch Creek.
After Norval's passing, she moved to Bellevue Senior Living. There she had many happy years, playing bridge and bingo and making new friends. Especially dear, her neighbor Rose Arbes, and bridge partner and friend Dr. Ken Mickle. Betty always had time and love to share with her grandchildren who were fortunate to maintain loving relationships with her well into adulthood. They are so appreciative of her and cherish every moment they had with their grandmother.
Survivors include her children: Michael (Susan) Smits, Appleton, Patrick Smits, North Carolina. Mary (Gregory) Larsen, De Pere. Grandchildren, Sarah, Jennifer and Alexander Larsen and Shannon and Jesse Smits. Great-granddaughter Skylar Elizabeth Larsen. Brother Matthew Daul, Jr. Special cousin, Fr. Willard VanDeLoo. Many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Norval, her beloved son Sean, her brothers Florian (Rose) and Donald, her sister Lorraine Calaway (Jack), sister-in-law Mary Ann Daul.
In accordance with Betty's wishes, a private memorial service will be held later this summer. The family is grateful to Traci and the staff at Pro-Medica Hospice for their gentle care. The family also wishes to thank Fr. Bob Cabot at St. Matthew's Parish and the many caregivers who showed Betty kindness in her final months.