Kathleen M Smith

On April 2, 2017, after years of battling against her ailing body, Kathleen Marie Smith quietly, peacefully, and with dignity left our world to finally rest among the blessed.

She was known to be stubborn, independent, hard-working, supportive, and loving. Throughout her life, Kathie touched the lives of every person with whom she had contact — whether subtly or profoundly — leaving each one forever changed. Kathie retired from the Akron Public Schools after spending most of her service years as a secretary at Perkins, Jennings, Roswell-Kent, and North High School. Her dedication to her work, fellow staff members, and most importantly her "office workers" made her invaluable to APS. Kathie believed in her work in public education, serving as President and as Vice President (2 terms each) of the local school secretaries' union, the Akron Association of Classified Personnel.

She was a member of the Bargaining Committee for years and valiantly fought to assure her colleagues had a voice, and was responsible for avoiding several impending strikes on multiple occasions. Kathie spent her time off-the clock supporting her students at all their games, sending them notes of encouragement, or making goodies "just because." Even at the end of her life, she took comfort in witnessing their successes as adults. Outside of her work, Kathie was an avid sports fan, following every sport from baseball to basketball, NASCAR to NHRA.

She loved Johnny Bench and the Reds, Coach K and his Duke Blue Devils, and even bowling in women's leagues where she made her mark as a young woman at many local, regional, and state tournaments. Kathie travelled near and far to make sure she never missed a game played by her grandkids and extended family. In her quiet time, Kathie loved stamping and making greeting cards for every occasion. Above all things, Kathie's main priority, focus, and reason for all her efforts was her family. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, endlessly giving for the happiness and success of her loved ones. Her heart swelled with pride in everything related to them.

Kathie is survived by her loving husband, Bob Smith; children, Michele (Albert) Valdez, and Matt Smith; grandchildren, Joelle and Matthew Valdez, and Jamison Smith; sister, Patricia Laws (Bruce); brother, Joseph (Gloria) Reitenbach; nieces and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eleanor Reitenbach; and sister Margaret Schimmoeller.

Calling hours will be held Friday, April 7th from 4-7 pm at Schlup-Pucak Funeral Home, 788 Kenmore Blvd with a Celebration of Life Service at 5pm by Fr. Norman Douglas.