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In Memoriam: Janet Smith ’87

Janet Lorraine Smith, 77, passed away on February 3, 2024, at her home in Oro Valley, Arizona, with her husband at her side.

Janet was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin on November 29, 1946 to Franklin and Nellie Bolac of Milton, Wisconsin.

After high school, Jan went on to graduate as a registered nurse from Methodist Hospital in 1967 and obtained a bachelor of nursing degree in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1992, Jan received the Nursing Excellence Award from UWHC. She retired from nursing at University Hospital in 2001.

In 1976, Jan married Jerry Smith and they lived and worked in Madison until his retirement in 2003, when they built a beautiful log home on Madeline Island. They moved southwest to Arizona in 2016, enjoying the sunshine, pool, and social activities in Vistoso Village, as well as hiking in the Catalina Mountains.

Jan loved to read and had a wide range of interests, such as medicine, politics, astronomy, biographies, and U.S. history. She was an EMT on the island and led water aerobics in Vistoso Village. One of her many qualities that stood above all was her kindness in putting all others before herself. She will be missed by countless friends and relatives.

Jan was predeceased by her parents, aunts and uncles, and her niece, Erin. She is survived by her husband Jerry and her sister Nancy (Quentin) Meracle of West Allis, Wisconsin.

At her request, there will be no service nor memorials.

Jerry would like to give thanks to the kind and caring people of Casa de la Luz Hospice.

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