Laconia- Susan “Sue” Mary Smith 66, lifelong resident of Laconia, died Sunday, September 11, 2016 with her loving family around her.
Born November 18, 1949 in Laconia, NH, the daughter of James and Mary Alice Ryan sister of James "Jimmy") Joseph Ryan.
Sue attended St. Johns School and graduated from Laconia High school in 1967. Sue went to Fitchburge Nursing school for her LPN, after which she continued at NHTI for her registered nursing license. Sue was a nurse in action and deed throughout her life. She worked at the State school until it closed at which time she started at Lakes Region General Hospital until 2010.
Susie lived a very full life, she was married to Ken W. Smith on October 3, 1974. As Father Gary had said back when Ken passed away their marriage was the very definition of what a marriage is supposed to be. Ken and Sue walked through this life hand in hand in God’s light. When Ken died the world shook, but Sue knew she still had a job to do and in the Divine Will she continued on. In 2010 Sue lost her legs, at 60 years old and against all expectations she learned to walk again with great strength, grace and dignity. Showing and teaching all of us how to be strong, and how to never give up. Susie was an incredibly spiritual woman devoted to God, Mary and the Church, this was witnessed by the many ways in which she contributed; volunteering with Catholic charities, active in bible study and the divine will, Eucharistic minister, and much much more.
Sue is survived by her two girls and standard poodle. Alice Mary Ryan a teacher in La Push Washington, her husband Dan Ryan and son Kevin Ryan. Josie W. Smith a Veteran Services specialist at Northeastern University in Boston Mass. Joseph Smith, her devoted standard poodle. In addition to her parents and brother she is predeceased by her loving husband, Ken W. Smith.
Calling hours will be Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 7:00-9:00pm at St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Josephs Church, 30 Church St. Laconia NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Josephs Church, 30 Church St. Laconia NH, on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 10:00am.
Burial will immediately follow in the family lot at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.