Constanza "Connie" Smith

Constanze (Lazzarotto) Smith, the daughter of Anna (Defolco) and Costa Lazzarotto, was born November 21, 1932, in Mount Pleasant, New York. Later her father would move the family to Seattle, Washington. She died October 15, 2014, at Beloit, Kansas, at the age of 81 years, 10 months, and 24 days.

On August 31, 1951, Connie (as she is known to her family and friends), married Billy J. Smith, of Mankato, Kansas. They were married in Seattle, Washington, where Bill was stationed in the Navy. After Bill left the Navy, they moved back to Kansas and farmed. To this union they had six children - Mary Jane, Henry, Anna, John, Joe and Jim.

Connie loved and practiced her Catholic faith. She taught her children to be independent and to always treat others as they would ask to be treated. Connie enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing, painting and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Anita Smith.

Connie leaves to mourn her death, her loving husband, Billy of 63 years;their children - Mary Jane and husband, Jim, Armstrong, Ft. Morgan, Colorado, Henry Smith of Wiggins, Colorado, Anna Smith Carbondale, Kansas, John and wife, Kathy Smith, McPherson, Kansas, Joe Smith , Austin, Texas, and Jim and wife, Annette Smith, McPherson, Kansas; brother - Costa and wife Carol Ann, Lazzaretti, Seattle, Washington; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Constanza "Connie" Smith will be (was) Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Father Joseph Keiffer officiating. VIgil service will be (was) Friday, October 17, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Theresa's Church, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Friday, October 17, 2014, at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to St. Theresa's Catholic Church, or the donors choice.

Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956-0384 was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences way be left on line at www.melbymortuary.com.