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BORN
1964
DIED
2016
Suzanne Smith Obituary
Suzanne Patrice Smith, age 52, passed away in Seattle on August 17, 2016, at 6 AM, after a valiant fight with recurrent breast cancer. She was constantly and devotedly surrounded by family in her final weeks. After surviving arduous treatments, Suzy was deemed cancer free in 2008, but her battle resumed in 2016 with Stage IV breast cancer that had spread throughout her body.
Suzanne was born on March 24, 1964 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, the first of two daughters for her mother, Mary Alice Flynn Smith. She attended Annie Wright School in Tacoma, WA from 8th grade through 12th and remained strongly tied to friends at the school all her life. She was currently living in Seattle but also called La Quinta, California home.
Anyone who knew her, whether by Suzanne, Suzy or Suz, knew that she had a magnetic personality. She loved classic movies, Motown and was always reading. She was a business owner, world traveler and passionate patron of the arts. She was quick to put her full support behind a project when she believed in someone. She supported several music and film projects and had a very special place in her heart for Seattle's KEXP radio. She had a heart for helping anyone in need and was fortunate enough to live out this generosity in ways that brought her, and so many others, joy. Throughout her life, she never lost the wonder and love of her first favorite place, Disneyland.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Flynn Smith, her father, Fredrick (Ricky) Smith and Cheryl Smith, and she is preceded in death by her biological father, Elliott Kull. She is survived by her sister Maura Thatcher, along with her husband Steve, her sister Deedra Walkey, her sister Darcy Mix and her sister Megan Smith along with her husband, Larry Lirtsman. Also survived by her uncle Dan Flynn, her uncle Marko Zaknich, her aunt Kay and uncle Ralph Hemingway, and her aunt Sheilla Kull and uncle Sean John Kull. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind numerous adoring cousins, dear family members and cherished friends. She is also survived by one of her most precious companions - the love of her life - her rescue dog, Gracie.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mehmet Fer, Dr. Mitch Karton, and Dr. Jed Gordon, for their dedicated care of Suzanne these past months. Their compassion and commitment never wavered and we are forever grateful. We also thank the nurses at Swedish Hospital's Oncology Department for their tireless care of Suzy.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Annie Wright School at aw.org, or 253-272-2216, or to Northwest Hope & Healing at nwhopeandhealing.org, or 206-215-2888.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Suzanne Smith
Sponsored by The Family.
Pamela (PJ)
August 15, 2025
Hey Suzanne, sure can't believe how fast time goes by.
Since I've kept you in my heart forever, I believe you are still with me. Your love and kindness to everyone who knew you simply shines everyday and I'll always be blessed having you as my dear friend...Cabo girls!!!! 4ever
Pamela Berg
August 15, 2024
Suzanne, I still hold you deeply in my heart.
My heart was broken when you left us but understood you were really sick. You brightened every day for me and now we pray you also receive enlightening and peace. I'll forever love you.
Pam Berg
August 15, 2023
Not a day, week or year goes by without me thinking about you and wishing you were here for a lifetime. Won't ever let you go, will love you forever and ever. Wishing you peace always.
Diane K
August 15, 2023
Suzanne, you left a legacy of love. You always played life with your heart and soul. When the orphanage in Nassau needed an entire redo you never hesitated and gave so many kids comfort and encouraged them to keep on keeping on. You changed lives with your love and kindness. It seems every time we spoke you were busy doing something kind for someone. You made our world a better place just by being you. Thank you for the time we travelled together. Thank you for blessing mine and so many lives. You are forever in our hearts and forever missed.
Pamela Berg
August 16, 2020
I am honored to write more to my sweet girlfriend Suzanne
I continue to miss you...forever... and now find myself talking about you more to others lately...your love for so many people and love to share your amazing stories!
Last year was bittersweet and I apologize I wasn't up for writing or talking...life nowadays doesn't seem much different and the world is upside down. I sure miss yapping and laughing for hours with you. I could keep talking to you my sweetness but I'll close and say I LOVE YOU...more now than ever. You continue to provide me with subtle signs that you visit me.
When I cry I can sometimes hear your voice just say something cute and funny and bing...you snap me out of my funk...lol...you always knew I was a tad weird. I believe ...
Love forever and ever and ever
PS found this beautiful pic of you and BladeRunner actor with your friend Sir Anthony
Karen GundersenNutting
August 15, 2020
Suzanne ♥ Youve really been onbour minds this last week. Weve spoken of you several times. Miss you so much!
Love always, Karen
Karen
August 17, 2019
Suzanne. I am remembering and honoring you today! Things have changed so much since your time with us. I wish you were here to be a part of it with us! Thank you for blessing me with your friendship. I miss you so very much and will see you again one day ;) Rest easy, Beautiful! Xoxoxox
January 11, 2019
My sweet friend! Today is 1/11..the day that brought us together again. I love you and miss you! thank you for everything!! so grateful for you and the time we had together. Miss you tons ♥♥
Pamela Berg
August 17, 2018
Thinking about you so much lately...I still reach for the phone... so now, today, I would like to light another candle to celebrate you and your loving life my friend. I miss you and miss your voice which I'm trying to hold on to. You were and are so loved by everyone who knew you, and that love helps me find peace and love feeling your loving spirit. I love you forever and will see you on the other side. xxoo
Pam & Suzanne's 50th bday at Hakkasan in Vegas
Pamela Berg
August 17, 2017
Hey Susie, have been thinking of you all day...a year ago the heavens received an angel...remembering happy times when we rocked out to Marvin Gaye dancing in your kitchen on Findlay...still can't really believe you're on the other side...waiting for your call or a long overdue visit..,
Love you always and forever and ever xxoo
Diane K
March 24, 2017
Happy Birthday to the ever beautiful Suzanne. Thinking of you and missing you and remembering so many good times together. Till we meet again. I know you are with the Angels .
March 24, 2017
Happy birthday Suzanne! I'll always celebrate your special day. Xxoo
Penne Carter
March 19, 2017
Ooo my goodness I have just heard of Suzanne's passing. My heart was so sad. I will always be grateful for the opportunities she gave me while working for her in her dream store. Suzanne lived large and full of life. Her passion to help kids and animals and any down and out person who wanted to better themselves, she flawlessly supported them with opportunity. Her style and funky grace always warmed my heart. I will never forget my one and only trip to New York that she hosted me to attend a buying trip for her very lovely emporium store. She showed me the entertainment life in theater and her ever loved God Son. And still when I moved away she supported me by purchasing my first creations of reclaimed wood clocks and home decor items. She sparked a passion in me that said anything is possible with hard work. While my heart is saddened I know she left her mark here on earth and for that I'm forever grateful. I extend warm hugs to her beautiful mom and her ever funny Uncle Dan. Much love, Penne Carter 760-574-4077
Pam Berg
November 27, 2016
Suzanne Patrice Smith
Your candle will be forever lit...as well as my love for you is forever & ever...see you on the other side mi amiga. xxoo
Villa private pool
Pam Berg
November 27, 2016
Suzanne's 50th bday in LV at MGM
Pamela Berg
November 27, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Smith family.
I still can't believe my Susie Qs not in my/our lives anymore...I start weeping whenever I try and write...and know she's in a better place and finally with Aunt Pat...
We'd spend hours on the phone...her telling me good stories of Aunt Pat and I'd share good memories with her about my dad...my love...who was taken too soon also.
I had Suzanne in my life for 15+ years so I have tons of great times and a million good memories to cherish until I see her on the other side.. Probably why I still can't stop weeping...
We both lived in Cabo in the early nineties but never met until a mutual friend, Bernie, who was Cabo's best hairdresser,introduced us years later...soon after her and Marty were married. The six of us, Bernie and her husband Raul, me and my husband Richard along with Suzanne and Marty all had good times whenever we were in Cabo.
Bernie had introduced me and Suzanne since Suzanne lived in West Seattle and Richard & I lived over in Bellevue. We were friends from the get go. The four of us took a trip to Puerto Vallarta in 2008...Susie was beating the cancer and it was time for her to relax a bit and dig her feet in the sand and get some sun...in Washington...not too much sun.
Soon later Suzanne and Marty moved to the desert and she flew Ricky and myself in with her zillion airmiles...she was such a loving and generous soul. We were invited to also stay with them in the beautiful golf course house. Met UD...he's a cool person too.
Time didn't matter..we always were there for each other..she was the sister I never had...that's why even trying to sound half way happy as I write...I still break down...
Her and Marty drove to see us in Las Vegas in 2009, we moved there when Ricky retired and no more rain for me...SusieQ is not a fan of Vegas so I was blessed she came to see me/us.
She drove back over again with friends in 2014 just for fun...neither one of us drink anymore but you'd never know it cus we laugh and goof off like kids...it was her 50th and my Ricky's b-day and she took all us to the famous Hakkasan in the MGM for dinner.
She looked amazing...I included a pic of us and never dreamed that would be the last time I would ever see her, hug her,kiss her again...I still can't let go...I feel so blessed to have had that moment...a moment in time I'll never ever never forget...never
Suzanne had been invited to join me and Ricky this Nov in PV...I wanted to be with her and she had her own private bed and bath up in this villa...I wanted to give something back to someone who gave so much to so many...she has so many friends she always had a full schedule and I was over the moon she was thinking about it..
I'm sitting up in Ocho Cascades PV finally writing to her and all her friends and family about how much I loved her...I loved her so much. When we checked in here guest services asked who's staying in the guest suite and I broke down weeping...I carried a copy of SusieQs obituary and showed her...just carrying this little piece of paper around with me helps me...I get to see her pictures everyday...
After her return from the Expedition trip, Susie was so excited and wanted to tell me all about it...hence the plan to meet in PV.
Don't know how much space I have but will try to send a pic if I can.
I've gone through a whole box of kleenex and had finally found the strength and the words...this is the short version...to write on Suzanne's page...I promised her that before I left PV...sometime during this month I would and could talk to her and all of you and share my love for her..
As I read in your posts also...everyone loved Suzanne and all knew Suzanne was beautiful inside and out..always giving never taking...always saw the good in people and never spoke ill of people...never
She loved her parents and all the family members..Suzanne was love...
She gave...gave..then gave some more to causes she believed in...children in the Islands is just one...I loved her stories about Nassau. I loved all her stories and the world is a sadder place without her...
Suzanne will live in my heart FOREVER & EVER
I love and miss you everyday Susie..xxoo
Angela Connor
September 3, 2016
Our deepest condolences go out to all of Suzanne's family and friends. They say you are lucky if you can count your true friends on one hand. I am blessed to say Suzanne was my best true friend, a Godmother to Amanda and Alex and the best Aunty ever! Although we did not live nearby after the first 5 years of knowing each other we continued to stay close friends for the past 22 years and have had many great times together as girlfriends and as a family.
I am grateful I was able to tell her how important she was to us in times of joy. Suzanne was loving,kind, heartfelt, and generous and her grace was felt by all. She showed her best always and she will always remind me to do the same. We will miss you Suzanne so very much and you will remain in our family's hearts forever.
God Bless and rest in peace Suzanne.
Love Angela Amanda and Alejandro xoxo
Diane K
August 27, 2016
Today I was feeling so very sad at the loss of my dear who was such a bright and shining star who gave her love and light to so very many. As I sat at my desk I looked over to see
the book and a plaque that Suzanne had brought to me when she visited. The little plaque was from Winnie the Pooh of course!!! ... It said - "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you." Reading that made me cry even more. The book had a quote in it that so defined Suzanne though she gave the words to me the words really described her way of being ... "Someone shows up when the chips are down, or sticks around when everyone else has gone home, or gives you a pat on the back when you deserve it, or a gentle nudge when you don't. Someone who keeps the lamp of friendship lit, or the home fires burning, or lends you an ear, or makes you laugh until your sides ached, or tells you they care and mean it. I am so grateful that Suzanne left me so many kind words to remember her by. She bettered the lives of so many by her spirit of genuine love. She was a pure soul. I will forever miss her texts with uplifting words and lots of hugs and kisses. Thank you Suzanne for blessing my life and being my friend. XOXOXO Diane
Karen
August 27, 2016
We were so blessed to be a part of Suzanne's world. Her love and acceptance of others was so admirable. She left a huge imprint on our hearts! I'm sure she will have an extra set of wings in heaven! Our sincere condolences to her beautiful family. I know how much she meant to you all.
I love and miss you Suz!!!
Gracie will miss you!
Maria Talamantez
August 26, 2016
Will always have you in our hearts.
Maria Talamantez
August 26, 2016
Megan Wekell
August 25, 2016
I was saddened to learn about Suzanne's passing. I'm happy that I had the opportunity to reconnect with Suzanne at an Annie Wright reunion, a few years ago. My heart and thoughts are with her and her family.
Jacqueline Bradley
August 23, 2016
The Bradley family was so blessed to have had you in our lives. You and mom have a lot of gossip to catch up on. I love you cuz
cristina martinez
August 23, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet Suzanne and enjoy her company many years ago. She was a beautiful and generous person. It is a tragedy she is lost to this world, because she would have continued to be a force for good. My condolences to her family and her many friends.
Randii Nunez
August 22, 2016
What an amazing person! Suzanne, you will not be forgotten!
Debbie Swendig
August 22, 2016
Suzanne. A bright and beautiful star. Forever she will shine in our hearts and our thoughts. I am so thankful for Suzanne. My heart goes out to her family and all those friends who knew how dear and special she was and are missing her. I love you sweet Suzanne.
August 22, 2016
Our hearts are with all of Suzanne's family. May she continue to be with you in your hearts always. I feel blessed to have met her and I am sure she touched so many with her kind and warm soul. The Vails
August 22, 2016
DeeDee and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You, as always, are in my thoughts. Sending you all hugs.
Sandy Pell
August 22, 2016
May the beautiful memories of your loved one provide solace and strength during this difficult time. And may you find comfort in God's promise of life without end in Paradise.
Willie ,Ed,Pat Ogle
August 21, 2016
Suz RIP..
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