Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Kuser (née Smith) 

January 4, 1942 – June 23, 2026 

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Kuser, a woman of amazing strength, resilience, and selflessness, passed away peacefully in her home on June 23, 2026. She was 84 years old. 

Born on January 4, 1942, to the late Anna and Orie Smith Sr., Kathy grew up in the community of Colgate in Dundalk, Maryland. She spent her final years residing at the Essex Senior Center, where she enjoyed many activities and the friends she made over nearly two decades. Known for the many hats she wore, literally and figuratively, which included her legendary work ethic, Kathy broke barriers for women in the 1970s at Bethlehem Steel, where she worked as an overhead crane operator. Her extraordinary resilience was proven on the job when she survived a horrifying crane fire, jumping to save her life. Despite sustaining severe injuries, her unstoppable spirit could not be broken. She survived several other close calls over the years, earning her the affectionate family joke that she truly possessed "nine lives". Her greatest legacy, however, was her boundless capacity to love and care for others. As a single mother, she lovingly and independently raised nine children. At just 27 years old, after her sister-in-law passed away, she selflessly raised her niece and four nephews alongside her four daughters as one united family.

Kathy was the ultimate caregiver, found true enjoyment in helping people throughout her life and was the type of person who would quite literally give someone the shirt off her back; if you complimented something she owned, she would insist you take it home. She found her deepest fulfillment in these acts of generosity, always seeking to bring happiness to those around her. Kathy also enjoyed activities at the senior center, puzzles and games online, and sharing laughs and making beautiful memories with her family and friends. She is survived by her beloved sister, Mary Bender (Nichols-Bergin), and her dear friend, Harriet Powell. Her memory is cherished by her surviving children: David Smith, Laura Smith, Bethie Short, and Valerie "Markie" Kahler. Kathy was a proud grandmother to Jamie Jacobs, Dustin Kahler, Bradley Smith, Jennifer Sague, Donald Smith Jr., Jade VanDeburgh, and Logan Hamer, as well as an adoring great-grandchildren. Kathy now joins her late parents; her beloved sister and three brothers: Linda Joyce Shupp, Richard Smith, Donald Smith, and Lee Smith; her precious children who preceded her in death: Mary "Fuzz" Hamer, Tami Thomas, Donald Smith Jr., Daniel Smith, and Douglas Smith; and her grandson, Andrew Kahler. Her kindness, gracious soul, and fierce independence will never be forgotten by those blessed to know her. Wrapped in God's eternal peace, she leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through generations.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.peacefulalternatives.com