Susan M. Valente (Smith), of N. Utica, returned to the loving arms of her parents on May 28, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family throughout her short, yet, valiant battle with cancer. Susan was born, September 12, 1962, the daughter of Garner and Patricia (Taylor) Smith of Verona, NY. She was a graduate of V.V.S. Central School in 1980 and worked in restaurants and customer service for years. She also worked at Trenton City Dry Cleaning in N. Utica until her diagnosis. When you recall memories of Sue, know that “life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Sue leaves behind her loving husband, Richard; Nick of Whitesboro, as well as her sons, Brent Schaefer of Vernon and Shawn and wife Brionna (French) Schaefer of Chittenango, from a previous marriage; her brother Gary and wife Bonnie Smith of NC; brothers, Scott and Richard both of Oneida Castle and sister, Connie Smith of N. Utica; She also leaves her grandchildren, Devi, Reed, Makenzi, Rylan, Makiah, Elaina and Avery; She held dear her nieces and nephews, Ben, Becky, Jesse, Tina, Ty, Tanya, Michael and Phillip. She was predeceased by her infant brother, Garner, Jr., (1957) her brother, Jeffrey (2000), father, Garner (2006) and mother, Patricia (2010) whom she cared for through her cancer battle until the end. The family would like to recognize the following for care and compassion shown to Sue; the entire staff at Dr. Razia’s office, especially in the infusion room, the nursing team at Faxton Cancer Center, the staff of Dr. Q of CNY Brain and Spine and the staff at the Abraham House in Utica, along with Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. In keeping with Sue’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will take place on June 10, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at American Legion Utica Post 229, 409 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Those wishing to make a donation in Sue’s memory, please consider Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 or the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St., Utica, NY 13501.