Katheryn Maerz wants people to remember her mother, Susan Smith of Columbia Falls, as a woman who was passionate about education and the outdoors.

“She always was teaching life principles all through her life to people. She was a natural-born teacher,” Maerz said. “She taught a lot about her spiritual life as well. She was a great teacher.”

Smith, 60, who died March 27, had home-schooled her five children and went on to earn a teaching degree. Smith taught for a short time in California and in schools around the Flathead Valley, where she lived for more than 30 years.

When Maerz went through her mother’s belongings, she found a treasure trove of school supplies. She filled about 30 grocery bags provided by Super 1 with the supplies and recently donated them to Columbia Falls Junior High.

“[There’s] everything from algebraic calculators brand new in the package and rulers to colored pencils, art supplies, and notebooks and folders, and pencil sharpeners, erasers and glue — just a lot of different supplies. She was prepared to supply her students with all they needed,” Maerz said with a smile.

Donating the supplies would have meant a lot to her mother, Maerz said.

“I think it’s a good memorial. My mom would have really liked to know that those supplies went to students that were in need and that she can make a difference because that’s what she was all about — making a difference,” Maerz said.

Most recently, Smith had worked as an academic coordinator for the University of Great Falls’ satellite campus at Flathead Valley Community College and worked part-time as a math tutor for Flathead Valley Community College.

One of Smith’s colleagues, Dennis Haverlandt, also   an academic coordinator for the University of Great Falls, said she was outgoing and intelligent.

“She was very good with the students and the students really liked her too,” Haverlandt said.

“Her passion was math,” Maerz said. “I have a book of letters from her students saying, ‘Thank you so much, I finally get math,’ ‘Thank you for being patient,’ ‘Thank you for taking the time.’ She just wanted people to understand it. She simplified it. She used hands-on methods that the kids could understand.”

Maerz remembered her mother as a spirited person who had a zest for adventure, whether it was riding horses or rapids.

“She loved the mountains, she loved Glacier Park, she loved the freedom,” Maerz said.

Smith also served in the Montana House of Representatives in 1995.

Smith is survived by children Brian Smith of Palm Desert, Calif.; Kelly Smith of Indio Hills, Calif.; Christopher Smith of San Diego, Calif.; Spencer Smith of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Maerz of Columbia Falls; plus six grandchildren.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].