A resident of Shakopee, Lynn Marie Smith, was 60, when she passed away peacefully, from cancer, with her family present at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The family will greet guests on Thursday, October 2, 2014, from 10 am – 12 (noon), at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN.
On October 12, 1953 in Milwaukee, WI, Lynn was born to parents, Gustavo and Bernadine (Kwasny) Valdovinos. She grew up living with four brothers in the Milwaukee area. As a young girl, Lynn had a strong passion for sewing. Her first sewing machine was bought by her dad. Over the years, Lynn made a lot of her own clothes and also did a lot of mending for others. But what she treasured the most from the early years, is the 49 year friendship of Linda Heise. They each held a special place in each other’s lives.
Graduating from Alexandra Hamilton High School, in Milwaukee, Lynn furthered her education at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), earning an Accounting Degree. Having a love for numbers, she worked for various companies as an accountant, for over 40 years.
Lynn’s passions in life was her girls…daughter, Kimberly and granddaughters, Hannah and Ryah. In earlier years, she and her daughter have fond memories of their annual summer vacation to Wisconsin Dells. An excellent cook and baker, Lynn now has passed down some of these secrets and technics on to Kimberly. Hannah and Ryah brought so much love and joy to her. The granddaughter’s loved the special birthday cakes grandma would make for them. They enjoyed cuddling with her, spending time crafting, watching movies and having popcorn. Lynn relished just sitting back, helping them with homework and watching them play and grow up.
Through life, Lynn loved to read and partake in book clubs. Known for her desserts, Lynn pies, cookies, cheesecakes or whatever were always the first to be eaten, at any family gathering or party. This made her so proud. Over the years, Lynn enjoyed making hundreds and hundreds of bracelets for family, friends or complete strangers. Her signature saying was, “catering to the well dress wrist, by Bead Mama.” Lynn also enjoyed talking to birds and watching them, especially the hummingbirds.
Lynn was her family’s rock, protector, and everything. She could be heard saying to them, “When you hurt, I hurt, when you are happy, I am happy! Or I love you to the sky and a millions times back. Lynn had this contagious laugh, which would make you laugh and infectious smile, which could light up any room.
Left to honor Lynn’s life and mourn the death is her daughter, Kimberly; granddaughters, Hannah and Ryah; brothers, Mike, Mark, Steve and Jim; and very special and close friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Lynn home in heaven is her parents, Gustavo and Bernadine. There wasn’t a day that Lynn would not think of her parents. She saw her dad in the clouds and her mom in the rocks, for support, guidance and their reassuring love.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served the Smith family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
