Susan "Sue" Smith, 68, of Durham, passed away on February 27, 2026, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Susan, born on February 02, 1958 to Maxine and John Mote in Baltimore, was a bundle of joy from the very beginning. As a child she enjoyed playing outside and animals. As she grew into her teenage years, her focus shifted to playing instruments and volleyball. After graduating from high school in 1975, Susan went on to pursue a degree in Physical Education at Earlham College in Indiana, where she also played volleyball. Susan graduated from Earlham in 1979 with a degree in Biology. It was at this time that she moved to Durham, NC to attend Duke University for her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. While playing volleyball, she met Fred, and they were married in 1984, going on to have 3 children: Joshua, Laura, and Benjamin. Fred and Susan were married for 14 years before going their separate ways. Susan met Bruce, through her sister, Karen, in 2016. They hit it off on the Cayamo cruise, which they attended every year after. They were married in 2019. In 2017, Susan became a grandmother to her 1st grandson, Oakley, and her 2nd grandson, Owen, was born in 2020. Being a grandmother was one of the most important parts of Susan’s life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. She was an excellent mom, supportive, kind, hilarious, and witty and we will all miss her dearly. Susan was predeceased by John and Maxine Mote. She is survived by her husband, Bruce, her 3 children: Joshua, Laura, and Ben, her ex-husband, Fred, and her 2 grandchildren, Owen and Oakley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan’s name to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Her celebration of life ceremony will be held on April 25, 2026 at Eno House in Hillsborough, NC at 2 pm. 

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