With profound sadness, we announce the death of Laura Susan Smith of Chicago, IL. She passed away on January 18, 2025 of heart complications at the age of 75. She was raised in Lorain, OH and lived in various locations including Cleveland, Boston, New York, Israel, Montreal, and Chicago.
Laura pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati and obtained a graduate degree in social work at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Her professional positions were in several Jewish organizations, including Director of Hillel at Case Western Reserve University and at the University of Montreal, as well as various roles at the Jewish Federation of Chicago.
Laura traveled extensively and was passionate about the arts, antiques and fashion.
She is survived by her brother, Howard (Barbara) Smith, her nieces Jessica (Jesse) Kurn and Rachel (David) Grossman. Her grand-nephews and nieces, Hudson, Marlo, Henry and Amelia were the joy of her life. Laura is also survived by many loving relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Isadore and Micki Smith.
Services will be held on January 22, 2025 at 11 AM at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
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Interment at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Rd, Solon, OH 44139.
Shiva will be observed only on Wednesday, January 22 from 2-4:30 PM and 6-8:30 PM at the home of Howard and Barbara Smith.
Those who wish to make contributions may do so to the Mussar Institute or to the New Israel Fund (NIF).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Smith family.
