Susan Jane Smith

Susan Jane Smith, 79, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 8, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, Sue was the daughter of Edsel and Ethal (Auld) Cousino. She graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1965 and continued her education at Lourdes College, The University of Toledo, and Owens Community College before answering her lifelong calling as a Licensed Practical Nurse in The Toledo Hospital's Neonatal Unit.

More than anything else, Sue will be remembered for the way she loved. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, guiding every decision she made and every person she welcomed into her heart. On July 12, 1968, she married the love of her life, Jerry R. Smith. Their marriage of nearly 58 years was built on unwavering devotion, shared sacrifice, mutual respect, and a love that inspired everyone who knew them. Together, they demonstrated what a lifetime of faith, commitment, and unconditional love truly looked like.

Family was never simply important to Sue—it was her life's purpose. While many knew her as a compassionate nurse caring for newborns, those closest to her knew her greatest ministry was caring for children. Together, Sue and Jerry opened their hearts and home to more than 200 children through decades of foster care, ultimately welcoming fifteen into their family through fostering and adoption, many with significant medical challenges. Every child who entered their home was embraced with unconditional love, dignity, patience, and hope. She celebrated every milestone, carried every burden, and endured unimaginable heartbreak with the loss of three daughters. Yet through every joy and every sorrow, her capacity to love never diminished.

Sue never met a stranger. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and understood. Whether offering encouragement, sharing wisdom, quietly helping someone in need, or simply listening without judgment, she left every life she touched a little brighter. Her generosity was never motivated by recognition but by a genuine belief that every blessing was meant to be shared.

She also found joy in reading, pottery, shopping, traveling, and gathering around the table with family and friends. Those simple moments, filled with laughter and conversation, were among her greatest treasures.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Edsel and Ethal Cousino; daughters Jennifer, Becky, and Teara Smith; grandchildren Mason, Brooklyn and Julian; brothers John and Ed Cousino and brother-in-law Chuck Payne.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Jerry Smith; her cherished children, Toni, Todd, Tory, Jerry, Tammy (Melvin), Hannah (Terry), Manny, JC, Shanaya, Joe and Finn; her loving grandchildren, Maleah, TJ, Carson, Marley, Bailey, Elliott, Rae, Blu, Tyler, Aaron, Christian, Noah, Leah, Addison, Missy, Marie, Megan, Morgan and Macy, great-grandchildren, Beau and Christian; siblings, Cathy (Denny) O'Connell, Diana Payne, Mary (Dick) Witfoth, Linda (Bill) Cousino, Thomas (Pat) Cousino, Carol (Joe) Young, Joe (Aggie) Cousino, Joan (Tom) Sprouse, Debbie (Dennis) Mahon, Anne (Red) Herman, Jim (Karen) Cousino, Donald Cousino, Michael Cousino, and Amy (Eric) Graalman; sister-in-law, Melissa Cousino and countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sue's life cannot be measured by the years she lived or even by the countless lives she touched through nursing, fostering, and adoption. It is measured by the children she loved, the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, and the quiet acts of kindness that became the hallmark of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Little Flower Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a Mass of Celebration beginning at 12:00 p.m. Celebrant will be Fr. Scott Woods.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sue's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, the Dementia Society of America or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

To leave a special memory or message for the Smith Family, please visit the Guest Book.