Mary Irene Smith

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Mary moved to Kalispell, Montana with her family as a young child. She graduated from Butte High School in Butte Montana, moved to Logan, Utah for college and spent her college-summers in Lake Tahoe, Nevada dealing blackjack. Mary went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University where she met her husband of 50 years.

Mary and Mac settled in Hanford California and raised their family. After a stint as a stay-at-home mom, Mary went back to work as a teacher. Throughout her career, Mrs. Smith inspired many students with her love of the elegance of math. Mary also fought fiercely for the rights of teachers, as president of the area teachers’ union. She remained interested throughout her life in how her students were progressing as adults. So many of you made her proud.

Mary also took great pride in her children and grandchildren. No one was more enthusiastic about even our smallest accomplishments than Mom.

Mary had many passions over the years but possibly none she enjoyed more than math. But, Mary was also a talented watercolor artist as well as real estate and stock investor. Her courage to take on a new interest and master it remains an inspiration to her children.

Over the years, Mary learned to enjoy a long trip in the car and the opportunities it brought to explore. In the early years, her family would load up in her hippy van with shag carpet and teardrop window called “The Good Times Machine” and hit the road to Las Vegas Nevada, Salt Lake City, Utah, Flathead Lake, Montana, and Sun Valley Idaho. She was never in a hurry to get to the destination and always enjoyed a scenic byway. In later years, she loved using the latest road-travel apps.

Mary also traveled to many places abroad including Swaziland, South Africa, the Yucatan Peninsula, and several capital cities in Europe.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Mac Emory Smith and Her parents Evan C. and Gertrude M. Nielson. Mary is survived by her son Micah (Mohini) Smith and Megan (Roy) Taylor and her grandchildren Harper and Sam Taylor.

Mary was blessed with many dear friends, family members and neighbors throughout her life whom she enjoyed immensely and for whom her family are truly grateful. Her time spent going to lunch with her girlfriends was a highlight in her routine. Please know that we are forever grateful for your friendship and support. Especially all those times she need help with her car. Her family would also like to thank the caring staff at Kaweah Health Medical Center, Hanford Post Acute, and Hanford’s Adventist Health Medical Center for the care and support they provided. Finally, we would like to thank Patty Echols for helping her get medical attention.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hanford’s Kings Country Club on October 1, 2022 at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a charitable organization supporting teachers and students in California. One idea is Kings United Way.

“To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early or be respectable.” Oscar Wilde