Susan A. Smith

Susan (Sue) Arlene Smith, 75, of Lake Villa, Illinois, was suddenly called to her heavenly home on September 29, 2023. She was born October 30,1947 in Oak Park Illinois to the late Ramona (Sauer) and Roy Meyer. Loving mother of Quinn (Marc) Brown, and adoring grandmother of Hudson Brown. Dear aunt to Kathy Bavaro, Karen (Jim) Emmel, Kristie Bavaro, Holly (Dave) Rider, Penny( Brad) McCredie, and Wendy (Bill) Kilgore. Dearly loved great aunt of Nick and Nicole Bavaro (Zach Rozdolsky), Brian (Vicki) and Scott Emmel. She was a cherished friend to many and a devout member of Beautiful Savior Church, survived by dear and devoted friends Jean and Glen Knoblock, and Janely. Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roger Smith, and sisters Dorothy (Nick) Bavaro and Carole (late Glen) Skoog.

Sue grew up in Chicago, and spent much of her younger years with her sister Dorothy, who she considered a second mother and Kathy, Karen, and Kristie who were her nieces by biology, yet were her sisters and best friends in her heart.

After graduating from Luther North High School, she married Roger, the love of her life in 1968 and moved to Lake Villa. Together, they became volunteer dispatchers for the Lake Villa Fire department. They enjoyed sharing many interesting stories that came from that experience.

After the heartbreaking loss of her husband Roger in 1987, Sue began her journey as a single mother. Despite her struggles she was resilient and found ways to help raise her daughter by herself. She devoted much time to finish her CNA certification while working full-time and providing for her daughter. She worked as an activities director at a nursing home where she spent many years caring for patients with Alzheimer’s. That inspired a deep level of compassion for patient and family care and advocacy for a cure which never left her.

Sue loved gardening and doing crafts, farmer’s markets, listening to music, going to summer concerts with friends, the Walworth County Fair, history, spending precious time with her family and friends, and her devoted cat Jojo who stayed by her side. One of her favorite activities in recent years were her rendezvous with her good friends Jean and Glen. Her heart was filled with joy as they attended many festivals and concerts while sipping on “exotic” drinks! Sue spent many hours volunteering for Friends of the Library. She had many favorite places including Twin Lakes, Wisconsin where she spent time as a child in the summer, swinging on tire swings, resting in hammocks and swimming until the sun went down. In later years, she enjoyed many trips to Lake Geneva and Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. She shared laughs with many that she should have been a vegetarian because of all the fruits and vegetables she loved to eat. Sue loved Fall and Halloween since her birthday was the day before.

The thrill of her life was becoming a grandmother. She was overjoyed to watch her grandson Hudson grow. Her objective was to spoil him with attention as much as she could. Grandma Sue would dote on him and no one could stop her.

Sue faced many difficult challenges throughout her life, during which she always maintained a positive attitude, and a strong faith in God that helped her persevere. She had a beautiful and sweet spirit, with a kind and caring soul. She enjoyed being silly at times, especially if it would bring a smile to the faces of those around her. Sue loved telling a story from her childhood. Her mother’s maiden name was Sauer. A friend of her parents once said “You have a Sauer face.”

Sue had a deep and unwavering faith in God. She was thoughtful, generous, and cared deeply for everyone she knew and loved, and only ever wanted the best for them. Even in death she wanted to pass this message along to all that knew her: “You may be sad now, but please don’t dwell on the sadness. Remember the laughter we shared and know that I am now without pain or tears, I’m with my Creator, Savior and Holy Spirit.”

In memory of Sue, live each day with kindness and remember to let your guard down and be silly from time to time. Life is too short to take too seriously. Make someone smile!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to Catholic Charities and mailed to: PO Box 7154, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154 or online at www.catholiccharities.net.

A visitation for Sue will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031. Funeral service will be Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1501 N. Deep Lake Road, Antioch, IL 60002. Interment will follow at Avon Cemetery, Grayslake, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Smith family.