Dorothy Lorraine Smith passed away on Wed. Dec. 12, 2007 at Meriter Hospital after a valiant and courageous struggle since developing complications following surgery. 

She was born on January 10, 1923 in Highbridge to Victor and Eva Sarazin, the second youngest of 14 children. Dorothy graduated from Mellen High School with the class of 1939. While growing up, one of her favorite pastimes was playing baseball with her brothers. During World War II, Dorothy was recruited by scouts to play professional baseball and pitch for the South Bend Blue Sox Baseball Team, a women's professional ball club as portrayed in the movie "A League of Their Own." This was an exciting time for Dorothy, and many wonderful memories were made. She is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

After her baseball career, Dorothy worked as a telephone operator and during this time she met Bernie Smith in 1952. They enjoyed a mutual love of baseball. After a year and a half long engagement, Dorothy was united in marriage to Bernie Smith on Sept. 19, 1953 at St. Agnes Catholic Church located in Ashland. Dorothy and Bernie resided in Ashland for a short while and later transferred to Madison, where they built their home in 1955 and have resided there ever since. Many wonderful holidays, birthdays, graduations, and family get togethers were celebrated in their home. They are charter members of St. Dennis Catholic Church. Their children and grandchildren also attended St. Dennis Catholic School. Dorothy was a busy homemaker raising four children while working for Sears for 22 years before retiring in 1992. 

Dorothy enjoyed golfing, bowling, canning and tending to her flower gardens. Her rock garden was her pride and joy. Dorothy loved to sit on her bench and admire the myriad of colors from spring through fall. She was a BIG Brewers fan who never missed a game. Dorothy could often be seen with her headphones on waving her arms when the Brewers struck out or clapping when they got on base. She cherished the time spent with her family. Holidays weren't complete unless all her children were present. Family always, always came first. Dorothy was a woman of tremendously great faith. She relied on her faith in God to get through the difficult times and was always thankful for the good times. She faithfully prayed the rosary every day and always believed "The Good Lord will take care of me." Dorothy constantly sacrificed for others and never asked for anything in return. She was the dearest, sweetest, kindest, and most loving wife, mother, and grandmother there could ever be. 

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Bernie; four children: Sherry (Jim) Herman, Larry (Debbie Hewitt, deceased) Smith, Shelley (fianc", Tim Koechel) Smith, Sandy (Jon) Rauser; four grandchildren: Kourtney Wilson, Austin and Sally Herman and Mackenzie Reese; sister, Marie Sullivan; many nieces and nephews; two step-grandchildren, Sarah and Jessica; and her cat, Betsy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and seven brothers and five sisters. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Rd. with Fr. Kent Schmitt presiding. Entombment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. 

Visitation was held on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 4 p.m. at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Dr. Visitation was be held on Mon. from 10 until time of the Mass at church. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be determined by the family at a later date. Dorothy's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Paul Nemovitz, Dr. Bruce Wilson, and Dr. Robert McManus for giving us more treasured and loving memories with Dorothy.

Source:  GenealogyBank.com (http://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/130A8B9EB072E0B8-130A8B9EB072E0B8 : accessed 12 April 2016)Dorothy Lorraine Smith.