Date of Death: August 29, 2021
Service Details
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Howardsville Gospel Chapel, 53441 Bent Road, Marcellus, MI 49067. Assistant Pastor Jared Steiner will officiate, and a luncheon will follow.
Obituary Notice
Susan Elaine (Waters) Smetana, 78, of Three Rivers, went home to be with her Lord Sunday, August 29, 2021. Susan was born in Three Rivers, MI on September 10, 1942, the daughter of Marion L. “Muddy” and Ethel C. “Et” (Wright) Waters.
She attended grade school at Hoppin Elementary in Three Rivers and graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1960. She worked in payroll and purchasing at Michigan Gas Company, and later in the accounting department at Peterson Spring. After retirement, she worked part-time as a bank teller for First National Bank.
A life-long people person, Susan loved being with and caring for others. She participated in a women’s bowling league with her sisters and other family members. She loved baking her famous chocolate chip cookies for family and friends. She also enjoyed being active at her church, Howardsville Gospel Chapel; crocheting kitchen towels; watching Masterpiece Theatre, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy!; and rooting for the Detroit Tigers (unless she was in Minnesota with her daughter, where she generously cheered for the Twins).
Most of all, she loved her family. Remaining to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 57 years, Joseph F. Smetana; their daughter, Cathy Lynn Smetana; sisters Sara Jackson and Janet Harvard; brother Marion “Vern” (Jan) Waters; godson and nephew Roger (Connie) Wagner; nephews Tim (Sally), TJ (Tammy) and Sam (Laura) Jackson; Donald (Lura) Wagner; Lee (Carrie) Swartz; and Erik (Chris) Waters; nieces Cindy and Barb Wagner; Pam (Bob) Wagner; and many more beloved grand and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father- and mother-in-law Joseph and Lorraine (Schubart) Smetana; and her sister and brother-in-law, Daisy and Hubert Wagner.
Additional Information
Donations in Susan’s memory may be directed to Howardsville Gospel Chapel, Howardsville Christian School, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Thank you all for your kind words. Dad and I are so grateful for the love and support of Mom’s friends and family!
Joe, Deanna and I offer our condolences to you and the family. Susan was a wonderful person, as we knew her as a classmate. May she rest in peace! Blessings for Susan and the family.
The world has lost a wonderful person. We were class mates of Susan and Joe. Susan was a sweet girl and a wonderful person through out her whole life. She and Joe were liked by all who knew them. Rest in Peace Susan you will be fondly remembered by all who knew you.
We will miss a great person and one which we didn’t see often enough. We know that she is in heaven and we will always remember her. Sorry to see her leave us.
My husband John and I got to meet Susan in high school. She was always smiling and friendly to everyone. We send our sincere condolences to Joe, his family and all their friends. She will be greatly missed. Judy Gilchrist-Mohney and John Mohney.
Sara, I am so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing. When we lived in town, we were neighbors, and we enjoyed seeing them occasionally. Sweet family. Sally Boeschenstein
RIP Sweet Susie. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, Joe, Cathy, her sisters, Janet and Sarah, and her brother, Vern. Susie was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around. Good nature and always that Susie smile. We will miss you, dear lady. My hope for all is that knowing you suffer no more will ease the heartache from our loss.
Joe, Cathy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Susan was such a sweetheart. When I was going to howardsville with my parents, John & Joan Lapham I remember Susan always so happy. If you had a bad week and you showed up Sunday morning you could talk to her and before you knew it you had forgot about anything that was wrong. She had a very beautiful smile and she was one of the most beautiful people inside and out. She will be missed but you will always have the great memories of her. My prayers are with the family.
Roger and Connie and family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Susan sounds like such a beautiful person. Take peace and comfort knowing she is “ home” with her Heavenly Father.
Sincerely and with a loving heart ,
Carole
Joe & Cathy
I know both of you are hurting, but our God will strengthen and comfort you. We can all rejoice Susie is home in the presence of our Lord. (Eph 2: 4-6)
Jim & Sharon
To all those who loved Suzie I am sorry for your loss. I offer my deepest condolences. She always had a beautiful smile on her face when I saw her. She always gave me a big hug and called me Davy. My Dad (Bruce) told me of the times they shared growing up. I know she will be missed greatly by all who knew her. May God’s grace and love comfort you all in this time. Susie is looking after all of us now in heaven. God bless you all.
Very sweet lady always had a smile & hug for you may she RIP❤