Kathleen M. Smith's Obituary
We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Kathleen Smith who peacefully departed on July 6, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by her entire world, her family.
Kathleen was born on December 13, 1942, to the late Albert and Evelyn Mae (nee Double) Kelly in Newark, Ohio.
In 1962, one fateful afternoon Kathleen met her loving husband of 59 years, the late Thomas Smith at his Aunt Maggie’s house in Cleveland, Ohio. It was love at first sight. They married on April 20, 1963. Thereafter, Tom and Kathleen went on to have 10 children: Sean (Beth), Colleen (Kevin), Maureen (Philip), Brian (Gaye), Eileen (John), Thomas (Susan), Kevin (Tami), James (Toni), Kathleen (T.J.), and Michael (Kassie). These ten children, and their respective families evolved into the foremost point of pride and was Kathleen’s life purpose.
Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, brothers Michael Kelly, David Kelly, Daniel Kelly, and joins her husband Thomas J. Smith in rest who preceded her in death. She was a loving sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and great-aunt to many. She is survived by her grandchildren: Colin (Emily) Smith, Corey Smith, Brennan Smith, Christopher (Emily) Reichert, Patrick (Kristi) Reichert, Brian (Casey) Reichert, Adam (Brook) Reichert, Kaylee Reichert, Aubree Reichert, Chase Kiriazis, Sam Kiriazis, Katarina Kiriazis, Madeline Smith, Ian Smith, Grace Smith, Sawyer Estok, Cooper Estok, Piper Estok, Meagan Smith, Joe Wozniak, Briana Wozniak, Gianni Depaola, Brendan Smith, Tyler Buckley, Kyle Buckley, Danny Shepherd, and Dylan Smith; and her great-grandchildren Elliot, Liam, Urban, Vivian, Graham, Finley, Collette, Charlotte, Wrenley, Clara, and Evelyn.
Kathleen was a graduate of Ursuline High School, and her workplace for decades was in the home nurturing her growing family. Professionally, Kathleen spent many years as a bakery clerk and supervisor for The Rego grocery stores from where she retired. Beyond her focus on family and professional life, Kathleen found boundless joy in her hobbies including crochet and a competitive card game with anyone who would dare sit for one.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life well-lived and a love well-shared. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the vibrant legacy she leaves behind. A legacy of love, warmth, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace, forever surrounded by the love of those she cherished.
With aging and illness, the need for extraordinary love and special care is always a certainty. We would like to make special mention and give our immense gratitude to those of us most local to her during these times. Particularly, her daughter Maureen Kiriazis, son Kevin Smith, and granddaughters Bri Wozniak and Katarina Kiriazis. Likewise, to her primary caregiver Prudence Simpukile of Pleasant Lake Villas who grew to be not only a cherished friend of Kathleen, but also a beloved extension of our family. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you each for the unconditional love you gave daily.
Family and friends will be received for visitation at Sunset Memorial Chapel in North Olmsted on Monday July 15, 2024, from 3:00-7:00PM and for a funeral service the following day, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00AM. Her funeral service will be held at Sunset's Westwood Abbey Mausoleum.
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