Leona (Brostowitz) Smith 9/17/1935- Friday 7/31/2015 The air has been sucked away and replaced by a river. These tears carry every memory of a soul too feisty to still. In the hospital in Tampa, she'd had her dessert and was reading in the recliner, plans underway to get well and return to driving, return to Wisconsin... until that moment when her heart did not beat and the breath left her body, her spirit free. Leona had a special sparkle in her eye, that was a glimpse of her spirit. Family, friends, schoolmates, and coworkers alike were witness to her confidence and curiosity. She convinced her school in Bayfield, Wisconsin that skiing on the nearby Mt. Ashwabay was an equivalent of gym class, then became part of their first ski patrol. Excelling in school, she was offered a college scholarship to study subjects suitable for a woman in the 1950's. Her heart set on a science scholarship, she chose instead to seek employment. Working in Milwaukee, she met a fine young man, Howard (Bud) Smith. Married in 1956, they had 4 children who delighted in the many skills Leona and Bud brought to parenting. Leona's love of singing showed in the church choir, as well as in the song she sang to wake her children for school. Her handiwork was evident in clothing, knit and crocheted items, upholstery, gardens, and creative meals. Leona continued her religious studies at Sacred Heart University, becoming a Cantor in the church. She lived her beliefs, supporting equality for everyone, in service to her community. And boy, did she love books, proofreading textbooks, reading for pleasure, for education, for cooking, or furthering her Dr. Mom degree.Leona was key in her churches' choirs, in the Women's auxiliary of the American Legion and VFW, and in charitable community organizations. An only child, she knew that friends were like family, for life, and there's not much that's better than a visit, other than laughing while visiting. She leaves behind tear-streaked faces in the many states where they visited or lived, family;Husband, Bud, children Kevin, Jan (Bruce) Wolfson, Jay (Amanda), Ann (Joe Kenny), grandchildren Kara, Sam (Megan), Brian, Riley, Brittany, Carter, Cooper, and great-grandchild Samantha. There will be a celebration of Leona's life on August 21, 2015 in Iowa at the Dubuque Arboretum Veranda from 3:30pm to 6pm. Funeral services and inurnment will be August 22 at 10:30 AM at St Paul's Church, Worthington, Iowa. We have honored Leona's wish that she receive all her flowers while she lived. Donations in her name to organizations that exemplify her commitment to equality of the human spirit, and service to community are appreciated.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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