Susanna Mercedes Smoot, age 52, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2019, in her Chicago home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 7, 1966, in Chicago to Ruth Schiefen (Ladwig) and Kenneth Smoot. Susanna was a talented and creative artist. An avid photographer, Susanna was happiest with a camera in her hand, bringing out the beauty in the world around her. She loved travelling, spending time with her nephews and niece, bringing people together, and sharing her handmade crafts and ornaments. Susanna is survived by her loving husband Karl Lerch; her mother Ruth Schiefen; her father Kenneth Smoot (Minerva); her sisters Kaaren Thomas (Daniel), and Anna Maria Ryan (Edward); her nephews Colton Smoot (Monica), Elijah Nurre, Patrick Ryan, Martin Ryan and her niece Lillian Ryan. Family and friends are invited to join us for a memorial Mass on Wednesday February 6, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Constance Church, 5843 W. Strong St, Chicago. Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles. The family will greet friends on Wednesday at the Church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Susanna's name to the Cancer Wellness Center, Northbrook, IL. For information please call 773-736-2300.