EILEEN SMITH

Eileen M. Smith, age 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at American Grand of Neenah.  She was born August 13, 1921, in Little Chute, the daughter of Christian and Anna (Janssen) Vander Velden. 

Eileen grew up in Little Chute and graduated from St. John High School.  She then received her Associates Degree in Accounting from the Bowlby Business College in Appleton.  Eileen married Patrick Smith on April 11, 1944.  He preceded her in death on February 13, 2013.  Pat was in the Army and stationed in California during WWII and Eileen worked for Pacific Gas & Electric in Santa Maria, CA.

Following the war they moved back to Neenah where Pat and Eileen started Twin City Dental Laboratory in 1945.  She was very instrumental in the operation of the business and worked there until the business was sold in 2006.   Eileen was legendary for her accuracy and punctuality.

She was the ultimate homemaker.  Eileen took great pride in celebrating the successes of her children and grandchildren.  She was a longtime faithful member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Neenah.

Survivors include her two sons: J. Michael (Linda) Smith and their daughter, Anne Katherine Smith, all of Florida; and Patrick (Margaret) Smith, of Neenah, their son, Christopher (Holly) Smith, and great-granddaughter, Savannah, all of Las Vegas; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Vander Velden; and her sister, Julia O'Keefe.

The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, July 9, 2018, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St., Neenah, with Fr. Richard Allen officiating.  The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of service.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established for St. Gabriel Parish and the Salvation Army.