Kelly Smith

Kelly Denise Smith, 66, of Belvidere, IL, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2025, after a short illness. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends in her final months.

Born on October 7, 1958, in Elgin, IL, Kelly was the daughter of Chapman and Joanne (Hauri) Smith. She spent many years farming in Curtiss, WI, as well as on her grandfather's farm in Union, IL. Later in life, she pursued her passion for caregiving by earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. She worked as a special needs nurse with School District 200 in Woodstock, IL, where she formed cherished friendships with colleagues and found great joy in working with children.

Kelly had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and traveling. She also valued time spent socializing with friends and family.

She will be deeply missed by her partner, Cathy Musil Wescott; her children, Kristin Fritz, Jacob Fritz, and Molly Fritz; her sister, Cheryl Smith; and her grandchildren, Emily Cassan, Katy Cassan, Allie Cassan, and Jimmy Cassan. She is also remembered fondly by her aunt, Carol Wilhelm; and cousins Jeff (Rhonda) Wilhelm and Jackie Wilhelm.

Kelly was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Smith; grandparents Walter "Pat" and Lydia Hauri; and uncles Richard Hauri and Jim Wilhelm.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St., Union, IL, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 AM. A luncheon will be held immediately thereafter.

In her honor, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice in Rockford, IL, or St. John's Lutheran Church in Union, IL.