Holly Ann Smits (Cuddly Bear) joined her Mom and Dad in Heaven at the age of 51 on April 19, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Holly was born on December 11, 1964 to Randall and June Smits. She grew up in De Pere. Holly graduated from Syble Hopp School. She worked at Syble Hopp and also at St. Norbert College in the Cafeteria while in school. She also participated in the Special Olympics with bowling as her favorite sport winning numerous medals and ribbons. Holly was also the champion of ladder ball at the yearly Family reunion in Townsend, always enjoying a good game with her nephew Joe.
She later moved to Townsend Wisconsin with her parents where she continued to make friends and enrich lives. Holly left her mark on everyone she met with her beautiful smile and loving nature. She made friends wherever she went. Holly loved music and dancing. She was such a joy, always smiling and happy. She loved a good party and always enjoyed it when her whole family was together celebrating. She was such a blessing to our family and made us all better people for having had her in our lives. She moved in with her sister Pam and her family in 2011 and later lived with her sister Beth and her husband Joe. While living with Beth, Holly helped at Resurrection parish where her sister worked and made many friends at the parish. As Holly's health declined she moved into Rockwood Heights and attended Curatives Connection Cloud Family Center where she continued to make friends and impact lives.
Holly "Cuddly Bear" is survived by her 11 brothers and sisters. Susan (George) Foehse, Randy (Lynn) Smits, Barb (Ken) Treml, Michael (Jan) Smits, Tim (Kathy) Smits, Beth (Joe) Sanders, Joel (Lori) Smits, Sally (Brad) Terrell, Mary Jo (Ken) Clark, Theresa (Mark) Paral and Pam (Scott) Mathewson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. As Holly would always say we are going to "miss her like crazy!"
She was preceded in death by her parents June and Randall Smits, 1 infant brother, Peter Brian, 1 infant sister, Eileen Mary and 2 nephews Tim Sanders and Peter Paremski, Brother-in-law Jerry "Romy" Romenesko and special friend Pat Collins.
Friends may call after 10:00AM on Saturday April 23, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr. Green Bay, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00PM with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Bellin Hospital that helped care for our baby sister and the staff from Unity Hospice that guided us through saying good bye to our cuddly bear. Also, the family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to all of the ANGELS at Rockwood Heights and Curative Connections West Side for the loving and compassionate care they gave Holly and helped to make her final years so special. In Holly's own words "you guys are the best!"
In Lieu of flowers please, a memorial fund will be established.