Charlene “Char” Smith

Charlene “Char” (nee: Swanningson) Smith, 79, died on Monday, February 16^th 2015, at Select Specialty Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

Born on November 30^th, 1935, in Kenosha, she was one of two children born to the late Raymond and Helen (nee: Leskowicz) Swanningson. Char attended schools in Kenosha and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School.

She worked at Great Lakes Naval Base where she met the love of her life, “J” “B” Smith and they were married on November 24th, 1956 in Great Lakes, IL. He brought a special sparkle to her eyes that never faded and she was a proud Navy wife. Their marriage extended beyond 58 years and their family continued to grow.

Char frequently volunteered at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, helping with her children’s activities and enjoyed crafting, playing cards and especially bingo.  She found gratification in comforting others with her gifts of food, blankets and laughter.  Above all, Char cherished spending time with her entire family.

She is survived by her husband, “J” “B”; four children, Christopher  Smith of Kenosha, Michael (Becky) Smith of Kenosha, Elizabeth (Paul) Albers of Sturtevant, and Morrianne (Scott) Rockwell of Kenosha; twelve grandchildren, Lauren, Amy and Megan Smith, Lindsay and Ian Becker, Jordan Smith, Bennett Albers, Michelle Prevatte, Grace and Logan Heide, and Collin and Carson Rockwell; a sister, Carole (Art) Stank of DE; and her dear friend, Lorraine Lowe of Zion, IL.