Bj Smail

Sun Prairie - BJ Smail, nee Roth, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 14, 2016. She was born January 7, 1933 in Madison WI to parents Jim and Antonia (Nibler) Roth. On February 4, 1950, BJ married the love of her life, a handsome sailor named Raymond J. Smail. They were together for 49 years before God called Ray home. Her four children were her greatest accomplishment and she was proud of each one. She cherished all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
BJ was a legal secretary for Atty Russell Mittelstadt for many years, and then administrative secretary for the Madison Metro School District, retiring in 1996.
She was a devoted church member at McFarland Lutheran, Redeemer Lutheran and most recently Our Savior's Lutheran. She sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and taught Sunday School. She was a charter member of the McFarland TOPS chapter, and was a Girl Scout leader in McFarland for years. She was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3591.
She loved music. She and her six sisters often sang together. Our family never needed a car radio - we sang in the car all the time. Her grandchildren all learned "You are my sunshine" from Grandma.
She loved nature and taught us to watch for deer in the fields, to identify many birds, and to try to be first to spy the first robin of spring. She loved hunting, camping, canoeing, traveling, and snowmobiling with the Cottage Grove Snowmobile Club.
She was also a very talented seamstress. In addition to quilting, she made many clothes for her children and the wedding dresses for all three of her daughters.
BJ brightened any room with her smile and zest for life, and was a shining example for her family. Mom, BJ, Gram BJ, Nana - so precious and loved.
BJ wrote, "In my life I want to be remembered as one who cared. I want to be a good listener. I want to be a good example. I would choose to be remembered as a Christian and a loving person". Mission accomplished.
BJ is survived by her daughters; Evi (Tom) Hungerford, Jeanne (Craig) Pietsch, and Pam (Ray) Przybelski, daughter-in-law; Joyce Smail, grandchildren; Matt (Janine) Hungerford, Heather (Ted) Greenley, Tiffany (Jason) Ayers, Crystal (Chad O'Neil) Seybold, Lindsey (Jeff) Behring, Samantha Przybelski, Paul Przybelski, Robyn (Ben) Chase, Karen (Ryan) Granger, 14 great-grandchildren, sisters; Bunny Vind, Jacki Bohne, Doris (Bill) Brendler, Terri (Wayne) Winans, brother; Tom Roth, brother-in-law John (Gloria)Smail, and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son; Glenn Smail, sisters; Pat Dailey, Lynn Brown, brother; Jim Roth, and her dear friend; Betty Lendt.
A celebration of BJ's life will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 550 Lincoln Dr., Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, 53590 on Saturday, March 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Tim Hansen officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of services. The family encourages guests to wear red in honor of BJ.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590