Juanita D. Smith

Juanita D. Smith, 74, of Townsend, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. Juanita was born on Oct. 7, 1945, to the late Theodore and Annie (Thomas) Smith in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Waller High School in Chicago and went on to receive college education in finance and accounting.

For 20 years, Juanita worked in banking as a credit card counselor in Chicago. After retiring from banking, Juanita became caregiver for her partner, Richard Surma, a disabled Vietnam War veteran. Juanita and Richard moved to Townsend, where Richard preceded Juanita in death. Juanita was a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Juanita is survived by her nephew, Matthew Fitzgerald, and niece, Shawn Scott-Fitzgerald.

She was preceded in death by her partner, Richard Surma; parents, Theodore and Annie Smith; sister, Sonia Fitzgerald; niece, Dominique Shimpach; and nephew, Mark Fitzgerald.

A Mass of Christian burial was held for Juanita at St. Mary’s of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. with the Rev. Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep officiating.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com