Jean Theresa Smits, 99, Ashwaubenon, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center. The daughter of William and Viola (Houle) Janssen was born on August 28, 1922, in West De Pere, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Jean's young life started out tragically with the loss of her mother when she was only seven years old. Jean and her older brother, Floyd, aged 9, stayed on the farm to help their father, Bill. Her younger brother and sister, Willard and Betty Mae were sent to the big city of West De Pere to be raised with extended relatives. Jean diligently assumed the household chores of the farm and proudly achieved her eighth-grade diploma. She would later recall many times being asked by her father if she wanted to go onto High School. Jean would always politely decline and instead remain on the farm to assist her father and brother. This educational decision was later forever regretted by her. However, Jean's youngest son would much later benefit by her strong enthusiastic academic drive when she would help, we actually mean write, his High School term papers for him. Thanks Mom! Following the end of World War II Jean fell in love with the love of her life, a handsome Army Veteran by the name of Lloyd Smits. Their nuptials took place at St. Joseph Church, West De Pere on October 25, 1947. Jean and Lloyd went on to raise seven wonderful children on their family farm in Ashwaubenon. The couple celebrated 69 years of marriage before Lloyd's passing in 2016. Together they set a wonderful example of love and eternal sacrifice for their family. Although Jean's childhood was dramatically cut too short, she was never bitter. Jean was never known to speak ill of anyone and was always cheerful and positive. Thank you Mom for showing us what unconditional love and resilience really means. The centerpiece of her life was her family, we actually mean her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was extremely patient and tender with all children. The family holidays in which she started cooking and humming at 4:00 am will never be forgotten or out done. Survivors include her loving Children, Gary (Judy), Max (Colleen), Gloria (Mike) VanderLogt, Glen (Julie) and Pete (Penny). She is also survived by her son in law Mike Rottier. She will be greatly missed by her fifteen grandchildren and her twenty great grandchildren. Her surviving two siblings, Dr. Willard Janssen and Betty Mae Bruss, will miss her dearly. She is also survived by her sister in law Della Spreeman. Jean will also be sadly missed by many nephews and nieces and all those friends who were fortunate enough to have met her acquaintance. Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband Lloyd Peter Smits, her two children Judy Rottier and Paul Smits, and her grandson Robert Smits. Also, in 2006 Jean lost her brother Floyd Janssen. She is further preceded by brothers-in-law Vernon Bruss, Roman (Gen) Smits, Clarence Smits, Raymond (Lorraine) Smits, Eugene Spreeman, Conrad Berken and Mel Thomson. Jean's preceding sisters-in-law are Mary Jo Janssen, Norma (John) Minten, Dorothy (Joe) Thomson, and Verna Mae (Celest) Parins. Friends may call after 12:00PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, 1305 Lourdes Ave. De Pere. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00PM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, De Pere. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family. Jean's sons would especially like to thank our sister Gloria VanderLogt. Gloria thank you for all the loving care and the daily visits that you gave to Mom when we couldn't be there, we will eternally be grateful.