Mary ‘Lois’ Smet

Mary L. “Lois” Smet, 83, Coleman, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at her home. She was born March 29, 1936, in Wisconsin to William and Mary Lou (Carriveau) De Grave. After graduating from Oconto High School, Class of 1954, she was united in marriage to Kennith Norbert Smet on Dec 1, 1956, in Stiles where they lived and farmed for eight years before moving to Lena where they raised their children. Ken preceded her in death in 1993. Lois was employed at many businesses through the years including Mirro Co. in Two Rivers, Chicken Shack in Stiles and Snack Shack in Oconto. As a certified nursing assistant, she was employed by Ann’s Adult Care as well as CNA Traveling Services. Her favorite job was working as a blackjack dealer at the Golden Spike Casino in Las Vegas, as well as other Las Vegas casinos. Lois became so good as a dealer that she often was a trainer for newer employees. Lois worked hard, made friends everywhere she went, loved playing cards and spending time with family and her many friends, both new and old. Lois loved life and tried to get the most out of it. She would drive and travel all over the country to see friends and family and spent many winters in Las Vegas.

Lois is survived by four children, Nancy (Glen) Grooms, Sandy (Paul Becker) Ermis, Lori Zuber, Brian Smet; 13 grandchildren, Brad (Melissa), Samuel (Sarah), Steven (Holly), Kevin (Marlena), Chad (Emily), Katie, Amanda, Troy, Zachary, Samantha, Coleton, Kieran and KayLee; 14 great-grandchildren, Joe, Emily, Jack, Jenna, Christina, Hailey, Piper, Felicity, Sydney, Allison, Alexandra, Scarlet, Maya and Ty; a sister-in-law, Lisa De Grave; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Kennith; her parents, William Edward and Mary Lou De Grave; a son-in-law, Ronald Ermis; a granddaughter, Sonia Ermis; two grandsons, Mason Ermis and Justin Dumas; four brothers, William “Sunny”, Neil, Donald and Russell; and a sister, Jeannie.

Friends may call at St. Anne Catholic Church, 221 E. Main St., Lena, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Felix Abano officiating. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery in Lena. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home-Lena is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com.