Kay Smith

Kay Monroe Smith, 83, died Saturday, August 2, 2025. She was devout in faith, keen in intellect and generous in love. Kay was preceded in death by Robert N. Smith, her devoted husband of 48 years, and is survived by her beloved sons, Christian (Sandra Shimon) and Garrett (Charity Haines), her dear grandchildren, Emma and Lucy, and life-long friends, colleagues and students from all parts of her lived experience.
We remember Kay not only as a loving mother, grandmother and friend, but as a scholar and advocate for innovative and rich elementary education for all and particularly for disenfranchised youth. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Kay moved to the Chicago area in 1963 to study education at Concordia University, then earned a Master’s degree from Northwestern University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Loyola University, where she later served on the faculty of the School of Education. She was as fiercely dedicated to her study and to her support of new teachers as she was to raising her sons, who were undeniably the loves of her life and the people with whom she was most fascinated.
To honor Kay’s life, her family is holding a visitation at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division, River Forest, on Friday, August 8. All are welcome. Private entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations in Kay’s name to any charity that promotes and preserves equal rights for all.