Louis Matthew Smith

Louis M. Smith, fondly known as Lou, was a force of life that will always remain with us. He passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, Maryland. He was born on January 31, 1957, in Baltimore, to Laurie A. Morse and Bernard A. Smith.

Lou was a 1975 graduate of The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB). He later received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Towson University in 1981 and a Master of Arts in Psychology/Rehabilitation Counseling from Towson University in 1986.

Lou began his career in 1984 with the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services, as a rehabilitation teacher, instructing newly blinded adults in skills including braille, orientation and mobility, and adaptive methods for telling time. He worked for the division for 41 years as a technology instructor, case manager, career education instructor, and computer support specialist.

Lou was President of the MSB Alumni Association where he served for four years, moving the organization forward. He was recently appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to serve on the MSB Board of Directors.

Lou's passions in life were his family, teaching, music, and technology. He was a dedicated teacher, advocating for visually impaired staff, clients, and friends, and assisting and troubleshooting issues with accessibility. He was a dynamic and talented musician with an unmatched passion which is what made Lou unique. He loved making music with fellow musicians and considered it his mission to do so with excellence while having fun. Lou played the keyboard for MSB concerts, Christmas Cabarets, Gilchrist fundraisers, weddings, and private events. He was also a musician at several churches with the most recent one being Lansdowne United Methodist Church.

Lou taught others with more than just words and professional techniques-he inspired, challenged, and encouraged his students to live a life of independence, just as he lived his life. Lou was happiest and at his best when he was helping others to be their best. He took such joy and pleasure in teaching others to become truly independent so that they could live fuller and more complete lives.

Lou recently acquired Meta Glasses, which opened up new opportunities for independence, which he fiercely embraced. He is still inspiring us all by his example of how he lived his life and will continue to do so for years to come. He is the kind of soul that remains with you forever.

Lou is survived by his wife, Wendy Smith, his brother, George E. Smith and wife, Brenda, sister-in-law, Suzanne M. Salichs, and countless friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Lou's Life will be held on September 13, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at MSB, 3501 Taylor Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, 21236.

Memorial donations may be made to MSB. Please designate your donation to be made for music or technology, which were very dear to Lou's heart. You may click on this link to donate in honor of Lou -

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=345207a5-17f6-41bc-863c-a667d5e45924&envid=p-xZl3P3rvuEquxGbkftO25w&zone=usa.