MaryEllen Smith

formerly of Pittsburgh

Mary Ellen Smith, 77, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015. She was born May 18, 1937, in Ridgeway, to the late Eugene and Carolyn Overmier. She was preceded in death by her husband, R. Warren Smith. Mary Ellen is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Kenny, of Monument, Colo., and Jennifer Page, of Grants Pass, Ore.; her seven grandchildren; and her brother, Robert Overmier, of Roswell, N.M. Mary Ellen spent her childhood in Emporium. She was a 1955 graduate of Cameron County High School and went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. While there, she was chosen as the first recipient of the Marion Baumann Award. The awarded was selected from women students in the physical therapy program on the basis of character, scholarship and service to the university. She was also the recipient of the National Foundation Scholarship. Mary Ellen was a member of Chi Omega and graduated from the D.T. Watson School of Physical Therapy in 1959. She spent her career working as a physical therapist specializing in home care. She obtained her master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. Mary Ellen was an active member of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association and received their Annual Achievement Award for her professionalism and her outstanding contributions to physical therapy and to the community. When Mary Ellen received this award, she was dually employed as a teaching assistant in the physical therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh and by South Hills Health System in home care. She was also a student in graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Mary Ellen was active in her church, as well as numerous service organizations. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Parents without Partners, Rainbow Girls and Eastern Star. She enjoyed music throughout her life. She was a pianist and sang in various church choirs. She was a dedicated member of Beulah Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh and later in her life at Hope Presbyterian Church in Rogue River, Ore. Memorial service was held Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Colorado Springs, CO 80903. In lieu of flowers, donations to the D.T. Watson Alumni Scholarship Fund are appreciated. Contact Patty Kummick at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 412-383-6548.