Obituary for
Helen Smits
Helen Smits, age 81 of Green Bay, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Woodside Lutheran Home. She was born on September 29, 1936 in Shelby Michigan to the late Benjamin and Ada (Ossman) Camber. Helen spent her career in nursing, teaching as well as practicing. She received her RN at West Suburban Hospital, Chicago, her BSN at Minot State College, Minot, North Dakota and her Masters in Vocational Education at U.W. Stout. After retirement in 2003, she served on the Brown County Human Services Board until 2016. Helen enjoyed music, theatre and the arts, she loved traveling, having traveled to China, Europe and the Middle East. She also enjoyed collecting, especially antique linens and lace.
Helen is survived by her children; Carol Venezia and Dan (Casey) Venezia, her sisters; Alice Camber, Wilma Forner, Barbra Ryan and Judy (Aaron) Silvey. She is further survived by nieces; Dawn LaMarca and Debra (Corey) Wojtkiewicz, several cousins, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Helen in death are her parents, step mother, Leone Camber, sister, Eileen Kula, former husband, Joseph Venezia and close companion, Chet Racine. Also preceding her in death are her brothers in law, Frank Forner and David Ryan as well as aunts, uncles and several cousins.
Family and friends may visit at Woodside Lutheran Home Chapel, 1430 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm on Thursday, November 30, 2017 with Pastor Rebecca Voss officiating. Burial was held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Allouez. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the exceptional caregivers at Woodside Lutheran Home and for the support of her Woodside Oaks family.
