Edith Hilda (Brand)(Smith) Leuenberger, age 97, of Monroe, passed on to be with her dear Lord, family, and friends on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Azura Memory Care. She was born the daughter of Franz and Catharina (Baumann) Brand on July 7, 1924 in Monroe. She was a graduate of Monroe High School and attended Rockford College. Edith married Newell B Smith on November 5, 1944 at St. John’s UCC. He preceded her in death on May 10, 1978. Edith was later united in marriage to Lawrence Leuenberger on November 26, 1981 at St John’s UCC in Monroe. He preceded her in death on July 5, 1999.
Edith is survived by her daughter Sue (John) Carmony, Lafayette, CO; her sons Steve (Kathy) Smith, Spokane, WA, Scott (Cheryl) Toledo, OH, Jim Smith, Monroe, and Dr Dave (Lorisa) Smith, Windsor, CO; her step-children Carol (Robert) Nielsen and Robert and Larry Leuenberger; two sisters-in-law Carol and Dora Brand; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brothers Franz Brand and Nathan Brand, daughters Vicki Stites and Sandee Tikalsky, son-in-law Joe Tikalsky and nephew John Brand.
Edith’s family and home were her pride and joy, living first in a cheese factory and then moving on to a farm with her family. What fond memories! She would have large family gatherings and would get up early in the mornings to prepare the best meals. Her grandchildren loved visiting Granny.
She also loved gardening, playing bridge, belonging to the Swiss Attic Questers, and volunteering at the Welcome Center in Monroe. Over the years she worked at the Gift Castle and as a secretary at St. Johns UCC. Edith stayed very active up until her last few years. She was proud of her Swiss heritage as both of her parents were from Switzerland.
She will be greatly missed. Who could forget her beautiful smile!
A family celebration of Edith will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St John’s United Church of Christ. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at shriner111.com
