Monica Patricia Smith, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on April 15, 2021, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Edward Smith; brother, Lawrence (Betty) Higgins of Omaha; daughter, Nancy (Rich) Johnson of Fort Calhoun; sons, James (Karen) Smith of Council Bluffs, Larry (Julie) Smith of Blair, Bob (Sharon) Smith of Blair, Mike (Joyce) Smith of Fort Calhoun, David (Annie) Smith of Kennard; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Higgins, mother Helen (Noonan) Higgins, sister Rosemary Drees and brother-in-law Dennis Drees.
After graduating from high school in Dunlap, Iowa, in 1952, she worked at a furniture store in Dunlap. She was joined in marriage with Edward James Smith on April 28, 1956. They lived in Blair and then moved to Fort Calhoun in 1966. Monica worked as a cook at the elementary school while raising her family and was a second mom to hundreds of children who came through her lunch line.
Her home was always open to anyone who visited or needed a place to stay. She was a devoted Catholic and member of St. John's Catholic Church for many years. Monica loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved camping, puzzles, bingo and playing piano. She always had a smile on her face when anybody came through the door. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and aunt who valued family and friends above all else.
VISITATION AND ROSARY SERVICE: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2021, with Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. Social distancing will be observed and face masks are recommended.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10 a.m. Monday, April 19, 2021, also at St. John’s.
INTERMENT: Fort Calhoun Cemetery.
MEMORIALS SUGGESTED TO: St. John The Baptist Catholic Church.
