Obituary of Cleo Marie Smith

Cleo Smith 84, lifelong resident of Duluth, MN passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022 at Solvey Hospice House after a hard 10 month battle with cancer. Her daughter and grandson were by her side.

Cleo was born on February 24, 1938 to John and Anna Erickson. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bert Smith, sister Janice Stern, son Jerry Smith and granddaughter Jenell Sherman.

Cleo was a graduate of the class of 1956 Denfeld High School. She went to work in 1973 and retired from Viewcrest Health Center as Director of Activities. Through her work she belonged to the State Wide Activities Directors Group and the National Certification Council of Activities Professionals. After she retired she continued to volunteer at Viewcrest and served as President of the Auxiliary.

Cleo loved camping, traveling, reading, walking and baking. Her great-grandchildren would call her Grandma Cookie because she always baked cookies for them when they visited.

Cleo had two life long girlfriends since the 6th grade, Karen Fadden and Marsha Swanson, they were like sisters. Their husbands became friends and their children grew up together. They spent Christmas together and had Coffee weekly.

Cleo is survived by her daughter Lauri Smith, grandson Justen Linskie, sister-in-law Barbara Bowling, great-grandchildren, Mya Rice, Natalie Benson, Izabella Shermen, Trinity Ryan and her mother Brekklin Ryan, Ethan Robert Linskie. 

The family wants to thank Dr. Nikcevich, Essentia Health Oncology, Essentia Health Home Hospice Nurses and CNA’s and the staff at Solvey Hospice House.

Cleo requested no funeral but will have a private graveside service on June 28th 2022 at Oneota Cemetery.