Mavis Elaine Smith, 88, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully in her home January 16, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer.
She was born January 31, 1925 to Norwegian immigrants August and Mabel (Tofte) Gabriel, attended Whitehall schools and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1943. She was a stenographer and clerical assistant who worked for the Trempealeau County Register of Deeds, an abstract company and a local attorney.
Mavis married Eugene Smith on May 21, 1947 in Black River Falls and they lived together in Whitehall, raising five children. Eugene preceded her in death on September 2, 2008.
Mavis was a skilled seamstress and baker who specialized in Norwegian pastries like lefse and rosettes. She also took up painting after retirement and mastered the art of rosemaling. But her passion, by far, was any activity that involved the beloved members of her family.
Mavis was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and an active volunteer in the community.
She is survived by five children, Margaret Nelson of Whitehall, Sue (Vitus) Kampa of Whitehall, Mary (Mike) Teigen of Austin, TX, Jim (Joan) Smith of Bradenton, FL and Jeanne (Peter) Semb of Whitehall; a brother, Gale Gabriel of Whitehall; a sister-in-law, Iva Gabriel of Whitehall; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
In addition to parents and husband, Mavis was preceded in death by a brother, Swede Gabriel.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Pastor Yvonne Marshall will officiate.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 4-6 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Memorials may be made in Mavis's name to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, the Trempealeau County Relay for Life or Gundersen Tri-County Hospital Auxiliary.