Lee Smith

Lee Kolt Smith, age 79, born July 30, 1944 passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023. Devoted daughter of the late Aaron Kolt and Pearl (née Eglin) Kolt; Beloved wife of the late M. David Smith; Devoted mother of Heather Waszak, Jeremy and Ashley Smith; Cherished grandmother of Kassidy, Chandler and Mallory Waszak and Collin and Reagan Smith. Survived by her sister Jill Goode and sister-in-law Marcia (Sonny) Moss; Absolutely adored by her many nieces and nephews.

A native Clevelander, Lee was a proud graduate of Heights High School and math major at Miami (Ohio) University. She married her childhood sweetheart and raised three beautiful children together (one of whom turned out half alright). Unsatisfied with her family, Lee partnered with one of her closest friends, Kathy Zwick, to create Letter-Us -- an iconic business that they would build together for 17 years until they sold it (financial terms were not disclosed).

So, why did this entrepreneur sell a thriving letterman jacket and trinkets store, you ask? It was so she could fulfill her most cherished role in life -- grandmother. Her devotion to her grandchildren knew no bounds. She was always there to support and cheer them on at all their sporting events. And we mean that literally. She went to Every. Single. Game. Rain or Shine. Solon or Cooperstown. She was there sitting in her folding chair, wearing her fur coat and earmuffs, and drinking her bottled water (reports that it was actually pure Vodka have never been confirmed).

Her presence was not just felt on the sidelines but also in the hearts of those she touched. She was "Aunt Lee" or "Nanny" to virtually all who knew her. And whenever a new life entered the world, she was there to offer her nurturing care and support -- regardless of the number of restraining orders she received. And it wasn't that she couldn't read them. Lee was a voracious reader who read more books in her lifetime than an entire mid-sized university.

Lee Smith leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched (which is ironic because her own memory was terrible). Rest in peace, dear Lee, your love and kindness will live on in our hearts.

Services to be held 10:30am Sunday, October 29th at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Interment Mt Olive Cemetery. To view this service on Sunday, please scroll down to the services section and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”.

Family will receive friends at ELLE Restaurant and Lounge 33730 Bainbridge Rd Solon, OH IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING INTERMENT SUNDAY until 5:00pm and continuing again from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

If you would like to contribute to shiva or make a donation in memory of Lee Kolt Smith please contact Denise Labry at 216-780-3556. Friends can also make a donation to the Cleveland Heights library

https://www.friendsheightslibraries.org/donate-online/.