Emma Mae Smith, age 90 of Marengo, died Tuesday evening, May 10, 2005 at Rose Haven Nursing Home with her daughter, Alice, and her son Carroll and wife Phyllis at her side. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, May 14, 2005, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Marengo with Fr. Joseph Roost officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 8 P.M. Friday, May 13, 2005 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo where there will be a Scripture Service and a Time of Sharing at 6 P.M. Memorials may be contributed to Rose Haven Nursing Home, Marengo or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Marengo.

Surviving are her children, Sharon (Eugene) Hoffmann of Beloit, WI, Carroll John (Phyllis) Schmidt of Anchorage, AK, William Stanley (Barbara) Smith of Seacaucus, NJ, Kathleen (William) Pustarfi of New York City, NY, Alice (Barry) Campbell of Luther, MI, Phillip (Linda) Smith of Belton, TX, Thomas (Thu Thi) Smith of Moreno Valley, CA and Faye (Patrick) Bates of Santa Fe, NM; 15 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Darlene Smith of Ladora, and Elenora Kozishek of Williamsburg, along with many nieces and nephews.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William J. Smith on April 1, 1984, a daughter, Barbara Heck in 1999, 3 sisters, Clara Kozishek Smith, Elsie Krakow, Sr. Marjorie Kozishek and 3 brothers, Charles, Frank and James Kozishek.

Emma Mae Kozishek was born April 30, 1915 in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of James Kozishek and Barbara Zakostelecky Kozishek. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1933, and married William J. Smith on September 23, 1936 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg. The couple raised nine children and ran the family farm for most of their married life. William died April 1, 1984.

She was a homemaker while raising her children and later worked at Rose Haven Nursing Home as a housekeeper and cook. Following her retirement, Emma volunteered at Rose Haven, the Marengo Memorial Hospital, the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She was honored in 1992 with the Iowa County Volunteer of the Year Service Award. She was well known in the city of Marengo as a Good Samaritan who assisted wherever it was needed for anyone who called upon her. She lived her entire life in Iowa County, except for 8 years that she spent in Texas.

Emma enjoyed music throughout her life, playing piano from her early years, as well as the organ and accordion. She was an avid gardener, enjoying her flowers and plants. She also enjoyed playing cards and Scrabble. Her family was a priority and she maintained constant contact with her children, relatives and friends, even though they lived long distances away. She was active in her church, volunteering for numerous activities. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her giving way of life and her gentleness toward all. She lived a truly Christian life.