Mary Ann Smiley

Mary Ann Lanzinger, 78, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at OhioHealth Kobacker House, surrounded by family.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Mary Ann was the daughter of Robert "Bear" Lanzinger and Anita "Neets" (Girard) Lanzinger. A 1965 graduate of Notre Dame Academy, she began her career at The Catholic Club in Toledo, where she helped provide care and support through low income housing programs.

She moved to Naples, Florida, where she served as Director of Major Gifts and Fund Management for the Community School of Naples. In that role, she led the school's annual fundraising gala, the Angel Ball, and worked with national celebrities and athletes to support local education. Mary Ann loved Naples deeply and embraced all the life the Gulf offered. She enjoyed walking to the Naples Pier every day and spending time on the water deep-sea fishing on the Gulf of Mexico.

Drawn to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mary Ann made her home in Waynesville, North Carolina, where she embraced the town's artistic spirit for several years. It was there that she adopted her beloved cat, Phoebe, who became a constant and comforting companion. She returned to Columbus, Ohio, to be closer to her son JJ, his husband Ryan, and family. In her later years, she worked at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where the animals brought her tremendous joy.

Mary Ann was known for her quick wit, warm heart, and lively spirit. She was a talented seamstress, an avid birdwatcher, and deeply treasured time with family, friends, and nature.

She is survived by her son, James "JJ" Smiley, and his husband, Ryan Byerly, as well as stepchildren Beth Taggart, Bill Smiley, Jim Smiley, Joe Smiley, and Lynn Santho. She is also survived by her sister, Lynn (Lanzinger) Harman, her brother, Gerard "Gerry" Lanzinger, and sisters in-law Barb Lanzinger and Judy Lanzinger. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Jon "Johnny" Lanzinger and Robert "Moose" Lanzinger.

A memorial service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, Toledo, Ohio. Service: Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10 am.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Kobacker House and OhioHealth Hospice for their compassionate and tender care.