Susan D. "Sue" Smith

Susan D. Smith, age 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday March 3, 2026. Susan was born in Monmouth, Illinois on October 12, 1932 to parents Elizabeth and Joseph Dixson. Susan was the beloved wife of the late William S. Smith. The cherished mother to Cindy (Woody) Strohm, Nancy (Mike) Odell, and Cris (Nick) Kalivas. The adored grandmother to David (Annie) Odell, Sarah (Byron) Pitts-Howard, Elise Odell, Peter Kalivas, Gus Kalivas, Sophie Kalivas, and Lily Kalivas. The very proud great grandmother to Layla Pitts-Howard and Henry Odell.

Susan was a loving sister to the late Barbara (David) Guest and Dr. Michael (Pam) Dixson. She was a dear aunt to niece Aimee Hucek, Tom (Laurie) Guest, Steven (Nicole) Dixson, and Jeffrey (Stacey) Dixson.

Susan (Sue) grew up in Monmouth, Illinois. There she developed life long friendships that extended to the next generation of their children. Sue maintained friendships over the years in every city she lived. Sue never wanted to be in the limelight but would rather be the light to shine on others. She never wanted to focus on herself but instead wanted to hear all about you. A kind and true friend to so many.

Sue attended Monmouth College, graduating with a degree in biology. She was an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. After college, she worked as a lab assistant at several companies: Abbott Labs in radioactive medicine, UCLA in muscular dystrophy research, Northwestern Medical School in rheumatic fever research. She spent 6 months in Sweden performing medical research.

Sue married Bill Smith on December 21, 1957. They moved to Glen Ellyn in 1961 where they raised their three daughters. Sue volunteered at the Glen Ellyn School District, First Presbyterian Church, Marionjoy Rehabilitation Center, was a Girl Scout leader, and an active member of the Glen Ellyn Chapter of PEO. Sue also was employed as a bookkeeper for Bill's company, Crampton. Sue and Bill loved to entertain, travel, and play golf. They enjoyed traveling to their second home in Colorado and then later to Florida. They always surrounded themselves with a large group of friends wherever they lived.

One of Sue's greatest joys was being with family, particularly her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved playing cards and was always up for a game of Phase 10 or 99. She was there to attend the kids' sporting or school events. Sue was always there to attend special gatherings ,even attending two of her grandchildren's weddings out of state at age 90 and 91! She was a hit on the dance floor at both weddings. All of the grandchildren love to share stories about "Ga" ( her grandma name).

Sue will be remembered for her kindness, her smile, her warmth, her love of having fun, and the friendships she shared with so many.

A private family service will be held on March 28 at the First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn,

All friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on March 28, 2026 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at the home of Cris Kalivas 581 Turner Ave, Glen Ellyn. We will toast Sue at that time and share stories and pictures of her long and well lived life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Monmouth College, In memory of Susan Dixson Smith Loyalty Scholarship Fund, Office of Development and College Relations, 700 E. Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462. Those wishing to make gifts online can do so using the following website: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/43197/donations/new

Or, to Lighthouse Hospice and Palliative Care, 2807 Centre Circle, Downers Grove, IL 60515 (mail only). For more information please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.