Suzann E. Smith

Suzann E. Smith, 78, of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023.  Born in Baltimore, MD, she was a graduate of Douglass College.  A pioneer for women in the field of computer science and technology, Sue had a long career that began with her position with the National Security Agency.  She worked for various companies and offices over the years, including the Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health, before eventually retiring as a senior Project Manager for Computer Science Corporation.  

Sue was active with her church and community.  As a longtime member of St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church in Bernardsville, she served on the Vestry, the St. Bernard’s Community Fund and led the Altar Guild for many years.  Sue enjoyed helping others and was an advocate for all people.  She volunteered for Grace’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen in Plainfield, NJ for 27 years and co-founded a homework help program serving the Bernardsville community.

A true “people person,” Sue enjoyed meeting new people and spent free time with her friends at her local book club, Gourmet Club, and cooking club.  She liked to stay active—gardening, traveling, shopping, knitting.  She also loved working on all kinds of puzzles and never missed doing her morning crossword and Sudoku.  

A kind and loving woman, Sue was quick to offer help or a smile.  She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Daughter of the late Joseph Kenneth Coll and Dorothy V. Coll, she was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Kenneth Coll, II, Kevin Coll, and Judith Peppler.  She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John P. Smith; her daughters and son-in-law, Sharon and Brian Ayres and Diane Ramos; her grandchildren, Timothy Ayres, Simon Ramos, and Nyla Ramos; brother, John Coll; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Ed Matthews; sister-in-law, Mary Coll; brothers-in-law, Bob Peppler and Glenn Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the family will be held Saturday, July 29th from 9:30am - 10:30am followed by memorial service at 10:30am at St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church. 88 Claremont Rd., Bernardsville, NJ 07924.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sue’s name to the Community Fund, C/O St. Bernard’s Church, 88 Claremont Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924. https://www.stbernardsnj.org/donations

If you are unable to attend the service in person, please join on Zoom.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85833441703?pwd=TG1hTDNVazF2UVhHQVdBRGlLdVdHdz09