Heart Failure, Not Cold Blamed In Mundelein Woman's Death

MUNDELEIN (STMW) -- An autopsy of a north suburban Mundelein woman found dead in her vehicle after the blizzard Wednesday revealed she died of heart failure and diabetes.

Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller said Friday that Susan Smith, 57, of unincorporated Mundelein died from natural causes. He originally thought the cause might be weather-related.

Smith worked at the Jewel Food Store and at Alpine Chapel in Lake Zurich. She was found in her vehicle in the parking lot at the church, where she worked as an office manager.

Senior Pastor Ronn Read said she was the "friendly face" of the church's welcoming center for new members. She had been involved with Alpine Chapel for more than 10 years, starting out as a volunteer, he said.