Linda Skwira Smith

Linda (Skwira) Smith, 59 year old resident of Blaine, MN formerly of Harding, MN died Monday, October 29, at her home in Blaine, MN surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 2 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN with Father Johnus officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7:30 PM on Thursday at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN and from 10-11 AM on Friday at the Church. Rosary will be said at 4:30 PM, Parish Prayers 5:30 PM and Holy Name Rosary at 6:30 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.. Linda was born on May 21, 1948 in Little Falls, MN to Jerome and Dorothy (Simrau) Skwira. She grew up and attended school in the Pierz and Harding area graduating from Father Pierz Memorial High School. After High School she worked at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Pierz, MN. She was united in marriage to Bernard "Barney" Smith on December 19, 1970 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. The couple moved to Blaine, MN where she worked as an auditing officer for US Bank. She retired from the bank system due to her diabetes and complications from a kidney transplant. Linda spoke at kidney transplant education seminars through the American Diabetes Association. She enjoyed painting, motor-cycling, traveling, reading, knitting, playing cards, shopping but most of all spending time with her family and friends. Linda is survived by her loving husband, Bernard "Barney" Smith of Blaine, MN; sisters, Judy Voelker and husband, Dennis of Lakewood, CO, Teresa Thesing and husband, Leonard of Harding, MN; brother, Dave Skwira and wife, Sharon of Harding, MN; mother-in-law, Julie Smith of Pierz, MN, in-laws, Marilyn Fisher and husband, Delmar of Anoka, MN, Lynette Smith of Hawaii, Julie Virnig and husband, Leon of Pierz, MN, Arthur Smith and wife, Pam of Anoka, MN, Brian Smith of Pierz. Linda's special caregiver, Amada of Blaine, MN. Godchildren, Jeff Voelker and fiancAC., Alycia, Tracy Thesing, Jeremy Skwira and fiancAC., Robyn, Kelly Nekola and husband, Craig and Samantha Smith. Nieces and nephews, Mark Voelker, Chad Thesing and wife, Meghan, Eric Thesing, Ryan Skwira and wife, Danielle, Bailey and Braden Voelker, Alyssa, Erin, Ethan and Maya Thesing, Abby Skwira, Kurt Fisher and wife, Annie, Devon Fisher, Erica and Mariah Virnig, Marissa and Colin Nekola, Amber, Brandon, Shawna and Joshua Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Dorothy Skwira; brother, Dan Skwira; nieces, Jennifer, Ashely and Ann Thesing; father-in-law, Ben Smith. Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN. 1-320-632-4393