Suzanne Marie (Keating) Smith

Suzanne Marie (Keating) Smith was born in Great Falls, Montana, to Jack and Marie Keating on February 1, 1949. She passed away unexpectedly with her husband by her side on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a four-month fight against breast cancer. She fought hard and won several battles but peacefully went to be with her parents and beloved pets that morning.

As a young girl, Suzanne attended St. Gerard’s Catholic School and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Her childhood was filled with her family, and she spent much of her time with her brother, sisters, countless cousins, and many other loved ones. She cherished the memories of summers spent at the family cabin near Neihart and all the many family gatherings.

Suzanne met her best friend and husband, Paul, and they were married on February 3, 1973. They spent 53 and a half wonderful years with each other.

Suzanne and Paul had two daughters who are their absolute pride and joy, Tara and Lindsay. The girls had a wonderful childhood with their parents and grew into impressive women that bear a direct representation of their mother’s strength and fierce love.

Suzanne always stayed busy between work and family. She excelled at all her jobs, including working as a hairdresser, a telephone operator at Mountain Bell, a bookkeeper at her father’s heavy equipment company, Central Equipment and Northwest Wheel, and as a dispatcher for North American Van Lines. She retired as the Office Supervisor for Youth Court Services.

She would fill the rest of her years enjoying watching her grandchildren grow, and spending every second she could with her husband, daughters, and family dogs. She loved to travel and had a special place in her heart for Italy.

Suzanne loved her family, friends, and neighbors and would quickly build a bond with any person she met. She was devoted to doing the right thing and raised her daughters and grandchildren with integrity and empathy.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Paul Smith of Great Falls; daughters, Tara (Dave) Hagins and Lindsay Smith both of Great Falls; grandchildren, Brendan and Kyrstin Hagins; brother, Michael (Ginny) Keating of Great Falls; sisters, Patti Kelly of Great Falls, Taffy [Kathleen] (Gordon) Lambert of Grand Rapids, MI, and Jackie Wassmann of Havre; uncle, Fred (Lonnie) Olds; aunt, Judee Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom she loved very dearly.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her father, Jack Keating; mother, Marie Keating; grandparents, Fred and Annie Olds and James and Mary Keating; sister-in-law, Diana Keating; and many beloved dogs.

There will be a viewing at 6:00 p.m. with rosary at 6:30 at O’Connor Memorial Chapel on Monday, August 17th. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel for family and friends on Tuesday, August 18th.