Louise (Smith) Rawson

Louise “Punky” Smith Rawson, age 88, of St. Charles, passed away Monday,  January 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 21, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois, the daughter of C. Otis and Louise (Wood) Smith.

Punky was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother.  She placed her family above all else and was always available to provide her loving support and guidance. Punky was motivated by her faith and love of Jesus, always finding great purpose and friendship in her church community. Punky was a graduate of Newcomb College (Tulane University) in New Orleans, LA, and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Northwestern University. Punky was a 70 year member of P.E.O. and a charter member of Chapter OB, a philanthropic organization promoting women’s education.

Punky was a life-long Cubs fan in good times and in bad. It was mostly bad. But, she did get to see her beloved Cubbies win the World Series in 2016.  Most importantly, Punky married the love of her life, Leigh. Together, they embarked on their many adventures, starting with being selected as King and Queen of the Krewe of Prometheus Mardi Gras ball, a  move to California, and their greatest adventure, relocating to Tokyo, Japan in  1981. With Tokyo as their base, Punky and Leigh traveled throughout Asia, learning about the culture and history as they traveled. Punky’s family takes great comfort in knowing that Punky and Leigh are now able to continue their adventure together.  

She is survived by her children Billy Rawson (Andrea) of St. Charles, Penny Mead (Sumner) of Rocky River, Ohio, and Leigh Rawson (Cindy) of Estero, Florida; 11  grandchildren Christina Gurtler (Dave), Billy Rawson (Amanda), Rachel McKinney (Nate), Hannah Rawson (Bobby Schiavone), Michael Rawson (Madi  Wrisk), Elisabeth Mead, Sumner Mead, Katie Mead, Samatha Moore (Kent), Alexandra Rawson, Kara Rawson (Mark Tabalante); great grandchildren Dominic, Cameron, Billy, Ellie, and Reagan; nieces and nephews Buddy, Molly, Annabelle, Natalie, Margaret, Brian, Madeline, Taylor, Abigail, Jay, Lana, Brianna, Reagan, Paul, Kacie, Oliver, Jaxson, Sarah, Jordan, Penny, and Norah.

Punky was preceded in death by her parents, her best friend and sister Penny, her precious daughter Elisabeth, and her beloved husband W. Leigh, who passed away in 1992.

Visitation for Punky will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin Street, Geneva from 9:00 am until her funeral service at 11:00 am with Fr. Mark Tusken officiating.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to organizations close to Punky’s heart:  P.E.O. International, online donations at www.peointernational.org or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134

For information call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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