Nola Smith

Nola Smith, age 90, died on October 21, 2016 at the Park Terrace Memory Care Unit in Watertown. Nola Margaret Smith was born on Aug. 23rd, 1926, in Friendship, Wisconsin. She was the third daughter of P.F. and Bertha (Pierce) Smith. Nola's earliest years were spent in Friendship, where her father was a banker. In 1933, her family moved when her father took a new job managing the bank in Sullivan. Nola attended grade school through her sophomore year of high school in Sullivan, finishing her junior and senior years in Oconomowoc. In high school, Nola exhibited skill as an actress, and was awarded a scholarship to a prestigious acting camp. Among her fellow acting students was Carleton Carpenter, who became her friend. Carpenter later achieved success as a well-known movie star, composer, and novelist. After high school, Nola lived briefly in Milwaukee, and with her sister Jan, worked in a war plant. During this time, Nola discerned a vocation to religious life, under the direction of Fr. Richard Cahill, her spiritual adviser and friend. At first, Nola's family was not encouraging. Carleton Carpenter also wrote to Nola, begging her not to lock herself up in a convent; he felt it would be a tragic loss to the world if she became a nun. Finally, with the reluctant blessing of her parents, Nola entered the Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary Community on 68th Street in Milwaukee in 1946. She became a fully professed cloistered Dominican, taking the name Sister Margaret Mary. Nola's years in the cloister were among the happiest, and most difficult, of her life. She later wrote a book about her experience, titled, "An Island Out of Time". Nola learned the art of gardening from the convent's gardener, Brother Martin Priebe. She remained an avid gardener all her life. In the convent, Nola's talent as a painter was also employed. She showed skill in the tinting of holy cards and other prints and photographs, which were sold to help support the Sisters. Brother Martin recognized Nola's artistic talent. He recommended her to his own brother, the internationally known Milwaukee artist, Karl Priebe. Nola was allowed to become a student of Priebe; a rare opportunity for a cloistered nun. Priebe taught Nola free of charge. On Oct. 22, 1961, The Milwaukee Sentinel published a story with photographs of Carl Priebe teaching Nola to paint through the grille in her convent. Nola's work was shown in galleries and sold at art shows. She maintained a studio in her home and continued to paint for much of her life. Twenty one years after entering, due to upheavals in administration and policy, Nola left the convent. She never lost her sense of vocation however, and lived a life rich and generous in spiritual joy, prayer, and charity in all that she did. After the convent, Nola attended UW Milwaukee, earning a degree in education and a teaching certificate. Her first teaching job was in Bayshore. A short time later, she obtained a master's degree in Administration and eventually moved to work in Pardeeville, where she became Director for CESA. Later, she worked in LaCrosse and finally in Algoma, retiring in 1991. She spent her retirement enjoying her home and garden in Kewaunee. Nola was proud of her roots in Friendship. In 1976, the year of the Bicentennial, the Smith Addition to Friendship City Park was dedicated in honor of her family. This was also the year that Nola turned 50. She celebrated by throwing a huge party for family members gathered from around the country for the dedication of the park and bridge. She was always the life of the party. Nola moved to Watertown in 2012, to be closer to family and caregivers. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in her room at Park Terrace after a brief illness on Friday, October 21st, 2017. Nola will be remembered for her deep faith, her joyful spirit, and for living life to the fullest. She especially loved children, and was a fairy godmother to countless friends' children as well as her many nieces and nephews, and their children. She will be missed by all who knew her. Nola is survived by two brothers, Neal and Lewis, and many nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Jan and Lorraine, and her brother Mahlon. Nola's family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Zinzendorf, Park Terrace, and Marquardt Hospice for their love and care for Nola. A special thank you to Sherry Cira, Emily Feiner, Dr. Mike Grajewski, and Jarod Williams of Schmutzler/Vick Funeral Home, and to Fr. Patrick Wendler. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 114 S. Church Street, Watertown.   A memorial visitation will also be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass.  Burial will conclude later that day at  St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery in Friendship WI at 3:30 PM.

Visitation

Friday, November 18, 2016 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States

Service

Friday, November 18, 2016 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States