Sue Ellen Smith

Sue E. Smith, 73, of Franklin, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with brain cancer, reuniting with her longtime companion, Russell “Russ” Hynst. Sue was born on February 6, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Donald E. and Beatrice J. (nee Elliott) Fricker.

Sue is survived by her daughters Jill (Chris), Ashley (Scott), Kelsey (Matthew), and grandchildren Riley, Jordynn, Carter, Mason, and Landen. She is further survived by her sister Ann (Mark) of Minnetonka, Minnesota, 9 nieces and nephews, and her four-legged buddies, Harley and Kujo.

Sue was preceded in death by her loving parents, and brother Jon Fricker and sister-in-law Karen Springer of West Lafayette, Indiana, and her beloved dog, Bailey.

Sue graduated from Whitnall High School in Hales Corners. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin, Stout. Sue retired as “Teacher of the Year” from Milwaukee Public Schools in 2005 with 34 years of service in Family and Consumer Education (Home Economics). During her life, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, playing Bunco, meals with family and countless friends who were dear to her, and treasured time with her grandchildren avidly participating in their lives and extracurricular activities. Sue was a kind and loving woman who will be remembered for her feisty personality and will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know her.

The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization at www.gbmresearch.org/donate. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Zilber Family Hospice of Wauwatosa for the attentive and compassionate care they gave Sue.