Stephanie Reilly Smith

Stephanie Reilly Smith, 84, of Houston, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 18, 2017. Known as Stevie to her friends and family, she lived a complete and fulfilling life. She is remembered as a loving mother and wife, loyal friend, devout Catholic, and for her community involvement with numerous causes.

She was born July 16, 1932 in New York City. Daughter of Adelaide Makens Reilly and Joseph Francis Reilly. She moved with her family to Texas at age six where she grew up in Houston. She attended St. Agnes Academy and graduated from Lamar High School in 1950. Stephanie earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston before obtaining a Masters of Social Work from Catholic University of America. Her working life was divided among being a wife and mother, her dedication to social work assisting mentally ill children and countless hours volunteering. She was involved in various social organizations including, among others, the Brown Thumb Garden Club, Catholic Charities, Theresians, and Boy Scouts. If you did not see her exercising along Memorial Drive, you could find her enjoying the company of friends at the Houston Racquet Club.

Stephanie will be greatly missed by her family: children, Stephen Smith, and Susan Zarich and her husband, Michael Zarich; grandchildren Ben, Zoe, Smith, and Olivia Zarich; her brother Joe Reilly and his wife Sidney, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and husband, William S. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. Funeral Mass will be conducted on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas 77024.