Laura Mae Smith

Laura Mae Smith, 68, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 6, 2026. A long-time resident of Toledo, Ohio, Laura grew up in Norwalk, Ohio. She attended St. Mary Elementary and St. Paul High School, where she graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1975.

She will be especially remembered for her strong Catholic faith and praying the rosary for those in need. Laura was a music lover and a gifted artist, creating beautiful sketches and prize-winning ceramics. She was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan and adored her cats, having rescued several over the years.

Besides her longtime life partner Michael Romanczyk, Laura is survived by five siblings: Linda Bash (Jeff) of Findlay, Matt Smith (Angie) of Westerville, Amy Heflinger (Craig) of Findlay, Mark Smith (Kirsten) of Westerville and Chrissy Thomas (Jeff) of Cincinnati. Laura was a beloved aunt of 17 nieces and nephews and a great aunt to 24. She loved her family and enjoyed family gatherings. She will be deeply missed by all, particularly for her storytelling, quick wit, laughter, and recollection of special family memories.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on January 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk, OH. Laura’s final resting place will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Monroeville, next to her cherished parents Gordon and Bonnie (Landoll) Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.livestrong.org, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741) or to the Toledo Humane Society (www.toledohumane.org, 827 Illinois Ave., Maumee, OH 43537). Online condolences or memories may be left for the family at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com