Susan Linda Smith

Susan Linda (Stearns) Smith, 56, of Columbia, formerly of Windham, wife of Gail Nelson Smith passed away peacefully on November 20, 2005 after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Born in Willimantic, CT, on January 31, 1949, the daughter of Robert Oliver Stearns of Wallingford and the late Doris (Sochier) Stearns. A Windham area resident most of her life, she graduated from Windham High School in 1967 and Eastern Connecticut State University in 1995, with a degree in Business Administration. She was employed locally at Brand-Rex and Rogers Corporation. She then worked in the Hartford area at Northern Telecom which evolved to NextiraOne, LLC, for 16 years. At the time of her disability, she was a Team Leader/Engineer in Telecommunications. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. In addition to her husband and father, she is survived by two children and their spouses: Alison and Michael Cavanaugh of East Longmeadow, MA, and Scott T. and Audra Urban of Ludlow, MA; their father, Thomas Urban of West Springfield, MA; five step-children and their spouses: Kim and Maria Smith of Brooklyn; Holli and Glenn Pianka of Lebanon; Lorri and Ronald Lafontaine of North Windham; Andrew and Kristine Smith of Coventry; and Melinda and Martin Valley of Burton, MI; twelve grandchildren: Joseph Pallone, Cara Pallone, Levi Smith, Mason Valley, Mitchell Valley, Laura Pianka, Scott J. Urban, Shawn Urban, Janelle Cavanaugh, Aidan Cavanaugh, Bethany Lafontaine, and Bailey Smith. She is also survived by two sisters, Sally French of Manchester and Arlene Thompson of Tolland; many nieces and nephews, two uncles, and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by a sister, Alice Nelson of East Hartford. She was a Charter Member of Altrusa International of Northeastern Connecticut, a member of Rainbow Court #20 Order of Amaranth, and Radiant Chapter #11 Order of Eastern Star. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic, Tuesday between 5:00 and 8:00pm. Her funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00am.. Burial will be private. Please omit flowers. Her family suggests memorial contributions to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online memorials and directions, please visit at www.potterfh.com .