Mary Jeanne Smith was born to James Benedict Martin and Rita Jane Lawson, on May 30th 1948 in Oak Park Illinois. She received a Nursing Degree from the St. Xavier University, and married Gregory Carter Smith on December 26th 1970 – starting a life together between Rensselaer Indiana and Chicago Illinois. She passed September 8th 2024 in San Antonio Texas, but the Denver Colorado front range was where she called home for 46 of her 76 years.
Mary loved. She loved her family. She loved flowers. She loved singing. She loved color. She loved art. She loved Greg. And she loved being Mom to three boys, their wives (as her own), and Mima to four ‘can do no wrong’ grandchildren… of whom she was always proud.
‘MJ’ was also known for occasional blink-worthy moments of naiveté in conversation, while being the undisputed family savant at Scrabble. She had an unconscious strength that shamed high school linemen foolish enough to accept arm wrestling invitations (and lifted couches with her free arm while vacuuming underneath). She enjoyed margaritas, and with the exception of one notable ‘sidecar’ occasion – liked a good gin martini. But much more than that, she enjoyed the company she kept at those dinners out.
She was preceded in death by her older brother Jay (Roxanne), and is survived by her younger brother Weeb (Linda), sister/brother twins Karen (Dave) and Ken (Sheila), baby brother Kevin (Cathe) and her husband of 53 years, Greg; their sons Keith (Kristyl), Cary (Lee), Ryan (Katy) and her grandchildren Quinlan, Ikaika, Teigan and Rafferty. She also leaves 12 nieces/nephews to cherish her memory.
In her memory, Mary would love to know you’re wearing something bright and beautiful, making time for a loud and tasty dinner, with your family around you.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 11am November 9th, at the Willow Creek Restaurant, in Evergreen Colorado. Please e-mail [email protected] for more details regarding surrounding events that weekend.
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