Susan D. Smith
February 12, 1955 - June 28, 2013
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Susan D. Smith
February 12, 1955 - June 28, 2013
Obituary
Susan Diane Nelson Smith, 58, of Lummi Island, Washington, formerly of Frankenmuth and Livonia, Michigan, died June 28, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Roy Norris Nelson and Geraldine Clark Nelson of Livonia, Michigan and Charlotte, North Carolina. Susan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, lived in Des Moines, Iowa, and moved with her family to Livonia as a young teenager. She graduated from Bentley High School in 1973, where she demonstrated her many talents through academic achievement, cheerleading, athletics and choir. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Juris Doctorate from The University of Detroit. Soon after her graduation she was employed with the law firm of Cummings, McClorey, Davis and Acho in Livonia.
Susans family life took her to many communities, from Mexico to Vancouver and several states in between, in which she was well known and well loved. Her world revolved around her commitment and caring for others, particularly her life long friends, family and beloved daughter. She contributed her time and talents to the Girl Scouts, the local school systems, her church and a variety of other charitable organizations.
She is survived by her husband Layle Kiplind (Kip) Smith and daughter Susan Jensena (Jenni) Smith of Seattle, Washington. Other surviving relatives include her brother Randy Nelson and his wife Carolyn of Charlotte, NC, sister Joyce Nelson of Livonia, MI, nephew Allen Nelson and his wife Amy of Charlotte, NC, niece Jodie Nelson Dunn, her husband MacRae and son Bode, of Wilmington, NC, special aunt Cathy Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, and several loving cousins.
Farewell Tribute Information
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 3 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Road in Livonia, Michigan. The family will receive friends in the narthex of Holy Cross at 2 pm prior to the service and a reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private interment service will be held for the family. A memorial service will also be held on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 2 pm at the Lummi Island Congregational Church at 3913 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, Washington. Donations Information
To continue her commitment to others, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Alzheimers Association.
20 responses to Susan D. Smith
Eugene and Dianne Marcotte says:
June 28, 2013
With great sadness, we have learned of Sue’s passing. Kip and Jenni, our deepest sympathies are sent to you and your family during this time of such loss. We hope the wonderful and loving memories you have of Sue will help you through this very sad time. We are thinking of you…
Fred Geraci says:
June 28, 2013
Kip, In your time of sorrow my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim and Cathy Richard says:
June 28, 2013
Dear Kip and Jenni, We were so shocked to read of your dear wife/mother’s passing and send our deepest sympathy. We had only met Susan a couple times but were impressed by her gentle spirit, kind heart and wisdom. Our hearts truly go out to you in this great sorrow and we will be holding you up in prayer. I wish there were more we could do. May you find some comfort in knowing that Susan lives on in a beautiful way. Sincerely, Cathy and Tim Richard
Neil Murray says:
June 28, 2013
I vividly remember Susan from our time at the University of Michigan Dearborn. We had the same major and we both went on to law school afterwards. She was a warmhearted, intelligent lady who always had a smile on her face and was loved by all that knew her. I am shocked and saddened to read of her passing. She made the world a much better place. I send my sincerest condolences to her family.
Kathy M Filion says:
June 28, 2013
Kip & Jenni: My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Know that someone will always be watching over you both.