Susan Elaine Smith of North Haven, CT passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 76 years old. Susan was born on October 27, 1949, in Rockland, ME to the late Oakley George and Lunette Christina (Nelson) Smith. Susan was raised on Swans Island, ME; where she resided until she attended Higgins Classical Institute for High School. Susan went on to earn a bachelor's and a master's degree in education at the University of Maine, and later received her Nursing degree at Quinnipiac University in CT. She spent most of her career teaching Child Development at Hamden High.

Susan will be remembered as a very creative, nurturing and spiritual person. She began sewing at a young age, quickly learning to make her own clothes for herself and her friends. Her gardens were a wild riot of color while her wall hangings and quilts were works of art. Dancing was one of her passions, attending contra dances and live music. She adored her animals, including several Maine Coon cats and Toy Poodle dogs. Susan raised her family in North Haven, CT but enjoyed spending her summers on Swans Island with her children. She was very proud of her island heritage.

Susan will always be remembered fondly as a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and teacher. Her loss will be felt by many people, especially her family. She leaves behind a daughter, Christina, and her husband Peter Maisano of Marlborough, CT; a son, Brian and his wife, Jessica Stoehr of Swans Island, ME; a brother, Jerry Smith; a niece, Gerri Lynn Smith, her grandchildren, Nathan and Camille; and many extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by a nephew, Oakley Smith. A Celebration of Life will be held on Swans Island the weekend of September 27th. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com