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PORTLAND, OR -- Susan Rebecca (Markham) Smith passed away in Portland, Oregon, on September 27, 2026, at the age of 78, after a battle with dementia. Remarkable strength and stamina kept Susan vibrant far longer than predicted--a resilience that surprised no one who knew how she navigated life’s challenges.
Born to Virginia and Charles Markham on June 6, 1948, in Three Rivers, Michigan, young “Susie” spent most of her childhood in Hancock, Michigan. She developed a love of sports and learned toughness from her father. Susie often shared stories of standing up to bullies, whether defending her little brother or confronting boys who teased her for wearing glasses. Her early work ethic was on display at the Pic movie theater, while a deep love for the outdoors drew her to Isle Royale during summer breaks to work at the local lodge, spending every spare moment hiking and camping across the island.
After graduating from Hancock Central High School in 1966, Susie attended Northern Michigan University, transitioning from French studies to Home Economics and Hospitality Management and earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1972. During college, Susie met and married Tom Brown, who served in the Air Force. The couple lived at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette County, Michigan, before moving between bases over several years, a journey that eventually concluded in Spokane, Washington.
In Spokane, Susie--now going by “Sue” at the recommendation of her college professors--attended Spokane Community College, worked in a bingo hall, and took a job at Sambo’s restaurant. Following a brief second marriage and years of infertility, she was surprised and delighted to become pregnant. Within months of learning she was expecting, Sue was offered a management position at Circus Circus in Reno, Nevada.
Relocating to Reno, Sue proudly rose through the ranks to become one of the few female restaurant managers in a male-dominated industry. Working long hours as a single mother, Sue was fiercely devoted to her daughter, putting her first and working tirelessly to build a strong future for them both. While at Circus Circus, Sue met Kathy McDaniel, who became her closest friend. The two women raised daughters of similar ages and leaned on each other through life’s trials until Kathy's passing in 2002.
In 1988, seeking a more stable environment for her daughter and closeness to family, Sue returned to Upper Michigan. She landed a role as Manager of the Miscowaubik Club in Calumet, Michigan, where she met Edward Lieblein. After leaving the position to focus on family life, Sue moved into Ed’s home in Hancock. Ever industrious, Sue eventually took a meaningful job on the loading dock for the Ranger III--the ferry traveling to and from Isle Royale, a place that always held a special spot in her heart.
In 2000, Sue attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to refresh her hospitality administration coursework in pursuit of re-entering the workforce. During this time, she reconnected with former boyfriend Gary Smith. Falling quickly in love, Sue--now preferring “Susan”--moved to Reno in 2001, and they married on June 23, 2007. Following a few years in casino management, Susan returned to academia at the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a Nevada Teaching License. Driven by a deep love for working with children, Susan became a dedicated special education teacher before spinal issues led to an early medical retirement.
In retirement, Susan devoted her energy to Gary, his health, and their grandchildren. She had always loved sewing, so she and Gary designed a beautiful sewing and craft room where she could create to her heart’s content. When Gary committed to a health and fitness journey, Susan crafted a matching diet and joined a gym in solidarity. Together, they built a mature relationship anchored in kindness, mutual respect, and annual anniversary trips to Lake Tahoe, their honeymoon destination--a testament to a joyful, healthy marriage.
Following Gary’s unexpected passing in 2019, and after a period of soul-searching during the pandemic, Susan relocated to the Portland, Oregon area in 2022 to be near her daughter and family. Though a diagnosis of dementia followed shortly after her move, Susan's face continued to light up during visits from her grandchildren, and her recognition of her daughter never faded. Susan fought heroically and resiliently until the end.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Shane) Warner, and their children, Cora and Miles; stepdaughter, Courtney (Joey) Romeo, and their children, Kristie, Caitlyn, Jessica, and Joseph; great-granddaughter, Adalynne; brothers, Edward Markham and Charles Markham Jr.; sister, Lucinda Markham; and nephews, Lonnie Markham and John (Danielle) Markham.
Susan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gary Smith; parents, Charles and Virginia Markham; maternal grandparents, Fredrick Kramb and her beloved grandmother Mildred Kramb; paternal grandparents, Walter and Bertha Markham; many aunts, especially Louisa and Mary; and many uncles and cousins.
Defined by equal parts hardship and success, Susan's life reflected an unwavering refusal to give up or settle. An avid reader, her personal collection once required a box truck to transport to the local library's annual fundraiser. Susan dedicated her life to continuous learning, raising her daughter with endless love and commitment, and standing as a lifelong feminist and proponent of equal rights.
She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.