Lorraine Mae Smith gave up her 62 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis and its complications and died peacefully in Florence on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 with her best friend and love of her life at her side. She was born in Hampton, Iowa, on February 27, 1933. During her 85 year lifetime, she lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Colorado and Indiana before moving to Alabama. She really loved Alabama and was blessed with a lot of friendships here.
Lori received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Ball State University. She retired as a Professor from Indiana University in the School of Nursing. She was an accomplished painter and potter and an active member of the Shoals Artists Guild. She was also a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the American Association of University Women. She also loved a good game of bridge and played the piano. Her kids were also proud that she played the bagpipes at the University of Iowa as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Pauline Caspers and infant son, Stephen Thomas Smith. Lori is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Richard Smith as well as children, Dr. JD Smith (and wife Anna) and Dr. Julie Stuart. Her grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her life were Jack, Scott, Mark and Tricia Smith. She is also survived by her sisters, Lois Liedtke, Ruth Schnell; brother, Paul Caspers (and wife Jo) and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Lori will be Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary with the Reverend Roy Runkle officiating. Burial will take place in Greenview Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jack Smith, Mark Smith, Hank O’Shea, Tim O’Shea, Jacob Parasiliti, and Dr. JD Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Joseph Catholic School or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Alabama, 2200 Woodcrest Place, Suite 230, Birmingham, AL 35209.
