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Susan Elizabeth Smith
March 17, 1948
December 27, 2015
Susan Elizabeth Smith, 67, passed away on the morning of December 27 in Portland after a long fight with MS. She was born in Bishopville, South Carolina, to Howard Troutman and Catherine Scott Troutman. ~At the age of 5 her family moved to Auburn, Maine, where her father was the cotton buyer for Bates Manufacturing. Susan attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. She continued her education at LaSalle Junior College and graduated with an associate degree, and worked as a medical secretary for several years.
Susan spent summers at her family’s cottage on the ocean in South Harpswell, Maine. ~It was there that she met and married her husband, Steven Smith of Falmouth. ~They made their home in North Yarmouth after several years in Massachusetts. They had two children, Heather and Geoffrey, and Susan dedicated herself to spending their early childhood years at home with them. ~She went back to school to realize her dream of becoming a nurse when their children reached school age and earned her degree from Westbrook College in 1981. Susan was very interested in the medical field and took pride in being an excellent nurse. She worked in Portland area hospitals for fifteen years as both an emergency room and operating room registered nurse. She also devoted much of her time and
energy as a caregiver in the last years of her mother’s life.
Susan was a passionate animal lover. ~Bird feeders always graced the yard. She adopted many cats throughout her life, all of whom were well loved and remembered by many long after they had passed on – a photo of Bradley, Tillie, Holly, and Mouse hung in her room. Susan fought MS for 35 years. Despite its increasing toll, she was able to attend the weddings of both of her children and enjoyed planning birthday and holiday gifts for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Steven Smith of North Yarmouth; daughter Heather Blanchette and husband Jim of Chelmsford, MA; son Geoffrey Smith and wife Brigid of South Portland and three beloved grandchildren – Isaac, Olivia, and Maddox. She was predeceased by her parents and brother.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph’s Residence for the care and friendship they provided Susan.
In accordance with her wishes, no service will be held.
Online condolences may be expressed below.
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