MADISON - Suzanne “Suzy” Smith of Madison, died on April 23, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg after a face-off with cancer - both parties lost. Born in Madison on March 17, 1948, she never missed a chance to double dip with a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl on her birthday enforcing her motto of “March the 17th and sleep the 18th”!

After graduating from Normandy High School in St. Louis, Mo., in 1966, Suzy began her career and spent several decades working as a Graphic Artist for the UW-Madison Food Science department until retirement in 2003. During that time she studied art and graphic design at MATC (Madison College) earning an Associate Degree. Failing at retirement, she took a part-time job at the Madison Senior Center, quickly becoming a beloved member of that community.

Suzy spent most of her life in Madison, though early on she frequently escaped. She first toured London and Paris and then in 1977 she took a short break from her career, going on a year-long camping trip around the US with a friend and was later joined by her brother, Mike. This opened new horizons, exploring national parks, taking short-term jobs and sleeping under tarped picnic tables when money was tight. She popularized the term “mule rescue” for all her family and friends to be used in those times when walking or driving yourself seemed like a really bad idea. She enjoyed her trips to Elko and Wendover, Nev., to see brother, Bill, which often involved impromptu night-long runs at the slot machines punctuated by much giggling. Despite her relentless optimism, she was an active member of the Old Bastards Club in Oxford.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Delores and George Smith; and her brothers, Terry and Bill. Suzanne is survived by her sister, Cathy (Dave) Potter of Madison; brother, Michael (Bev) Smith of Mauston; sister-in-law, Barbara Smith of Sun Prairie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, honorary family members and friends. Everyone that met Suzy was considered a friend.

Aunt Suzy played an active role in her family’s lives, especially all of her nieces and nephews. She assisted with childcare, pick-ups and rides to school and work, fostering artistic abilities both real and imaginary, and often competing with the kids to see who was first to get a parent’s disapproving glance. She was always the one to be there when help was needed.

Suzy spent over 30 years house-sitting, cat-sitting, dog-sitting or just sitting for anyone who asked. She loved playing cards and games and especially holiday parties. Other than St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating Kentucky Derby Day and Halloween were days she looked forward to the most. She would dress up for the occasion in her favorite floppy hat for the derby or her infamous “old lady” get-up for Halloween. She was a natural at having fun and joking around. Even in her last couple weeks of life, she was able to bring smiles to nurses and everyone that came to visit her with the wit and humor that only Suzy could deliver.

A gathering of friends and family for a celebration of life will be held VFW POST NO. 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Since the Kentucky Derby will be held the day before the celebration of her life, it is encouraged to wear appropriate derby attire to this event.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Madison Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Suzanne Smith

March 17, 1948 - April 23, 2024

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