Racine- Susan P. (nee: Smith) Tangerstrom, R.N., 60, went to her Heavenly Home as she passed away due to complications of emergency heart surgery at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Thursday, June 17, 2010 after experiencing chest pain at "Relay for Life" last week. Sue was born in Racine on June 26, 1949 to Paul A. and Nellie R. (nee: Gillis) Smith. A 1967 graduate of Washington Park High School, she went on to become an LPN. In 1974, she graduated from St. Luke's School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Passionate about nursing, Sue was employed at St. Luke's Hospital and by Dr. Lewis Wright at Kurten Medical Clinic, where she retired as Director of Patient Services in 1993 due to an extremely rare form of a latex allergy. However, until her untimely death, she remained active as a school nurse for Wisconsin Lutheran School and Shoreland Lutheran High School. Early in life, Sue became active in supporting our local fire-fighters with the Racine Fire Bells. Through this vital organization, she met the love of her life, Scott W. Tangerstrom. They were married at Epiphany Lutheran Church on October 23, 1982. With a profound Christian faith, Sue was a devoted member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, where she has been the church secretary since 1999. Among her interests, she enjoyed stamping, maintaining their family's antique fire trucks, entertaining and organizing family / friend outings, travelling – especially to Mississippi, was an accomplished "camp leader", lifelong customer of Wells Bros., tireless supporter of the Fire Bells and was a "second mom" to many. Above all, Sue truly lived and breathed her family. Surviving are her loving husband of nearly 28 years, Scott; their daughters, Bethany Ann and Sarah Lynn Tangerstrom; mother, Nellie Smith; brother and sister-in-law, J. David and Nancy Smith; niece, Melissa Taggart; great-nieces, Taylor and Meghann Taggart; God-children, Christopher Jones and Gabrielle Zarling; canine companions, Cinder and Ashes; many other dear relatives, church family and many, many friends too numerous to mention by name. Sue was preceded in death by her father, Paul A. Smith; uncle, Robert Smith; and by Scott's parents, Wilbur and Edna Tangerstrom. Funeral services will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2921 Olive Street, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 10:30 am with Rev. Michael Zarling officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 9-10:30 am. In memory of Sue, memorials to Epiphany Lutheran Church or to the family (for disbursement to Sue's favorite charities) have been suggested. A special note of thanks to South Shore Fire & Rescue and to the doctors, nurses and entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – Cardiovascular Institute – ICU for doing everything in their powers in trying to save Sue's life. Also, thanks to Dr. Steven Johnson and Dr. Jordan Fink for the many years of compassionate care and friendship. Last but not least, thank you to all of our relatives and friends for your overwhelming support during this past week. May God bless all of you!