Catherine Niamh Smith (née Susan Catherine Jones), known as “Cat” to her friends and colleagues, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 3:25pm, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, surrounded by her loving children, at the age of seventy-two.

Cat was born in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, February 28, 1953, the same year as the double-helix model of DNA structure was first described. Fittingly, Cat would nurture a lifelong interest in biology, which manifested in her love for plants and animals, her fascination with microbiology, and especially her dedication to caring for the human body.

She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Detroit in 1987, beginning a 38-year career as a skilled registered nurse– saving lives in the emergency department, providing palliative care in patients’ homes, and bringing comfort and dignity to the dying in hospice. She was always eager to learn from her patients and colleagues, and met some of her closest friends through her work.

Her patients were not the only recipients of her tender care. Over the years, she was also a friend to dogs (especially greyhounds); doted upon rodents of various shapes and sizes; fantasized about keeping chickens, bees, and goats; admired majestic moose, deer, and other ‘not-cows’; and was simply awestruck at humankind’s family resemblance to our fellow primates. In the last chapter of her life, she enjoyed the company and antics of her beloved cats.

Her kindness and compassion were evident to all who knew her, as were her intelligence, quick wit and sense of humor. Cat was a lover of art, and was herself a creative artist and illustrator. Her home was always adorned with an eclectic collection of strange and beautiful decorations, many of which she made herself.

Above all, Cat was independent, determined and courageous. She was unwaveringly dedicated to creating a secure,fulfilling, and joyful life for herself and her children who survive her: Trevor, Benjamin, Ozma (née Maxwell), and Mallory, who all strive to embody the best of her, and to keep her memory alive in their hearts.

Cat is preceded in death by her father Arthur, her mother Alice, her elder brother Thomas, and her deeply loved eldest son, Jason, who is himself survived by his daughter and grandsons. She is further survived by all of her nieces, nephews, and their descendants; by her childhood friend, Margaret; and by numerous others with whom she remained close throughout her life.

May the enduring love of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched soothe the sorrow of her loss and give strength to our hearts—an everlasting testament to her legacy as healer, creator, and mother.

Sleep easy, Mom. May angels guide thee home.

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