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- October 15, 2007
Smits, Joan F. Joan F. Smits, 80, De Pere, passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2007, at a local nursing home. She was born June 28, 1927, in De Pere, daughter to the late Virgil A. and Alma (Collette) Smits. Joan attended St. Francis Grade School and East De Pere High School, and went on to become an aviation reservationist based in Washington, D.C. She then attended the two-year college course at the Grail for Women affiliated with Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she majored in Christian living and later obtained a degree in Gregorian chant from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She then helped open St. Catherine Bookshop where she also taught classes. She also was founder of the Montessori School in Green Bay, which is still flourishing today. Years later, Joan went into the women's retail business with the Petri Corp. of New York. She opened stores for this company in Cincinnati, Chicago, and Milwaukee. She returned to Green Bay to help open Port Plaza Mall and was on the board of directors and manager of Braun's women's clothing. Later she worked in Pasadena, Calif., for a battered women's shelter for two years. She then managed Catherine's Women's Shop in Bay Park Square until her retirement. Joan had an elaborate egg collection of over 75 eggs from around the world. Joan was deeply committed to her children and grandchildren. They were a vital part of her life. She will be remembered with love and affection. Survivors include her children, Raymond Sauvey and his companion, Julie Albrecht, Carbondale, Colo.; David Sauvey and his wife, Marian, Evansville, Ind. and their children, Gretchen, Peter, Carl and Philip; Dr. Mary Sauvey and her two children, Conall and Tadhg, Green Bay; Susan Hahn and her husband, Douglas, and their children, Nicholas, Zachary and Emily, Appleton; Paul Sauvey and his wife, Marie, De Pere, and their two children, Katie and Colleen; Steven Sauvey and his wife, Barb, Neenah; and Ann and Scott Breitenbach, Columbus, Wis., and their two children, Amanda and Stephanie; brother and sister-in-law, Richard A. Smits and his wife, Arlene, Arkansas; sister, Dr. Marilyn R. Smits, Milwaukee; and sister-in-law, Doris Smits, De Pere. Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Alma Collette Smits; father, Virgil A. Smits; stepmother, Florence Smits and brother, Robert J. Smits. A memorial service will be held at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. Music, songs, and reflections of Joan's life will be at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joan's name. Online condolences may be expressed at cotterfuneralhome.com.
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1927 - 2007 (80 years)
