ROCKLAND-Marie Rose (Burnham) Smith, 72, of Rockland passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Rolling Hills, Sparta, WI. She was born on September 18, 1952 to Charles and Agnes (Ruetten) Burnham, in Sparta. Marie grew up in Sparta, where she attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and graduated from Sparta High School in 1970. She then attended Western Wisconsin Technical College (WWTC) in La Crosse, WI and earned a clerical degree.
Following WWTC, Marie worked at the Social Security offices in Janesville, WI, and then Rockford, IL. On June 8, 1974, she married Donald Smith at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sparta. They later moved to Rockland, WI, where they raised a loving family.
Marie worked temporarily in housing at Fort McCoy, WI; and she was also employed for some time by the Village of Rockland, and helped with housekeeping at the historic schoolhouse. Marie later worked at Lakeview Healthcare Center in West Salem, WI for over 20 years in the dietary area until retirement. She was also an active member of both St. Patrick's Church in Sparta and St. Mary’s Church in Bangor, WI.
Marie enjoyed traveling, and especially loved spending time visiting with family and friends. She loved being a mom and a grandma; and was someone to cheer, encourage, comfort and help guide her loved ones. Marie was known as a very sweet person, and loved by many for her kindness, faith, warmth, and love of life.
Marie is survived by her children: Lynette Smith (Tim Varecka), Matthew (Mandy) Smith, Catherine (Tim) Hornik, Mary (Dennis) LaClair, Mark (Kristin) Smith, and Margaret Smith (Basu Bhattacharyya); six grandchildren; and siblings, William (Elizabeth) Burnham, John Burnham (Jamie Frimml), Ann (Frederick) Lukasek, James (Janice) Burnham, and Joan (Jeff) Edwards. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Agnes Burnham; her husband, Donald Smith; and brother, Alan Burnham.
Marie Smith's family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Mayo Clinic Health System, Mayo Hospice and Rolling Hills. The exceptional care they provided Marie is deeply appreciated and will forever be remembered by the family.
A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited for a visitation from 9 a.m. until 10:30 am, on Monday, at the church. A rosary will follow visitation, until the time of services.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
