Susan Diane Nelson Smith LUMMI ISLAND, WA - 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. Susan's 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. 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. To continue her commitment to others, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made at www.farewelltributes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Kip and Jenni, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your wife and mom. I just heard about her passing today and my heart goes out to you. I remember when you and Susan were married and when Jenni was born. I am so very sad for you.
Sarah Rosiak
December 19, 2013
Kip, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jenni.
Meg Athay
July 30, 2013
KIp--I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you, your daughter, and your family.
Shelia
July 11, 2013
Kip
Saundra and I are deeply sympathetic for the loss of your wonderful wife.
Chuck & Saundra Batcke
July 10, 2013
Dear Kip, my heart aches for you at the loss of your lovely "bride". My sincerest sympathies to you and Jenni.
Salome Homeyer
July 10, 2013
Kip: We're so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. You have our very sincerest sympathies.
Marge/Dan Parker
July 10, 2013
Sue was a gracious hostess and we enjoyed dinners at their Lummi Island home. I know how much she loved Jenni and life on Lummi Island. Sue you will be missed. Lou and Cindy Geri
Cindy Geri
July 9, 2013
My sincere sympathies to the Nelson Smith families in the loss of your wife, mom, sister, niece, aunt, and cousin, Sue. I was so saddened to see this in the paper. I attended Bentley with Sue and thought she was always very kind and friendly. May your memories comfort you now and in time to come. Marcia
Marcia Elliott
July 9, 2013
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more