Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Oct 23, 1963 – Apr 4, 2021 (Age 57)
SMITH, Mary - age 57, who resided in Clio, Michigan, died on Sunday, April 4, 2021. She has been cremated and will be inurned in the Walk Memories Garden at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Due to covid concerns, a service will not be held at this time.
Youngest of 6 children, Mary was born October 23, 1963 at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, the daughter of Richard and Yaeko Smith. She lived most of her life in the Flint-Flushing area.
She had Down’s Syndrome, but this did not prevent her from living as close to a normal life as possible. Mary attended Elmer Knopf Learning Center, one of the special needs education programs of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD). After graduation, she was fortunate to enter the Quality Living Systems (QLS), where after advancing through their tiered living and training programs, was able to live in a Flint community home with a roommate. Through the patience and perseverance of QLS, Mary succeeded for many years as a semi-independent adult.
She previously worked for 13 years as a lobby attendant at McDonald’s on Saginaw Street in Burton.
Known for her friendliness and wonderful sense of humor, Mary loved to laugh. She always purposefully or accidentally created laughter wherever she went. Many of her favorite people (or sometimes friendly strangers) were greeted with “I love you” and she truly meant it.
After a gradual neurological decline, her last years were spent at Graham ADC in Clio, under the loving and dedicated care of the outstanding staff there.
Mary is survived by four siblings: sisters, Norma (and husband Dennis Bowles, Kathy (and husband Ted McIntosh); brothers, Jim (and wife Pam Smith), Ed (and wife Sue Smith); nephews, Trent Bowles, David McGovern, and Steve McGovern; nieces, Wendy Thorington, Amy Lowell, Angie Smith and Jennie Smith; aunt, Mary Hayes of Harrison, and uncle, John Smith; cousins and a multitude of friends and acquaintances. She was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Yaeko Smith; sister, Doreen Campbell; and niece, Jamie Smith.
Heartfelt thanks to: the wonderful staff at Graham AFC - Mimi, Kelley, Crystal, Brooklyn and Garrett; the long-term coordination of care and needed assistance from New Century Support Services - especially the friendship and dedication by Jamie; and to Guardian Angels hospice who facilitated the medical care and equipment for the comfort of Mary’s last few months.
Very grateful to State of Michigan and GISD for the progressive programs and opportunities available to special needs people like Mary.
Finally, I will always and forever love you, Mary. You have always had a piece of my heart . . . sister and guardian, Norma.
Read MoreI knew Mary less then a decade, but have never forgotten how she was such a bright light light in my life. She was always hugging or patting a person's shoulder. She had a natural easy way to put brightness in any day. I am so glad I was able to know Mary for even the short time I did. Enjoy your new life, Mary.
Diana Sue Bye
April 21, 2021 | Grand Blanc, MI
Mary and I rode together many times on The your ride. She told me she loved cats and pizza. She was a nice gal who spoke to a lonely person riding a bus home too. Sometimes she was accompanied by another gal Beth who liked dogs but Mary always stated cats were better. The bus won't be the same without Mary being a passenger to speak with at times. Just wanted her family to know that Mary touched strangers hearts too. She was so young and I grieve with the.
Trish scruton
April 19, 2021 | Flint, MI | Acquaintance
When I think of Mimi (Mary), our lifelong friend, kindness is the word that I always remembered from the many years of our Smith and Donan family gatherings. Mimi's smile was genuine and straight from the heart. Our deepest condolences for the Smith family and all of her friends.
Kevin Donan
April 14, 2021 | Friend
To Mary's Family- I am so sorry for your loss.
I initially met Mary at McDonald's, but then had the pleasure of seeing her every Saturday when she came to bowl on The Terminators league at Grand Blanc Lanes where I worked. She was a very sweet lady who will be missed for sure!
Amy Rouse
April 12, 2021 | Grand Blanc, MI | Friend
To the Smith family, I am sad to hear of the passing of Mary, and the other loved ones. I remember all of your family from Meadow St.
May Mary rest in peace. sincerely, Joyce Fisher,
Joyce downing
April 10, 2021 | Neighbor
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing & offer our sincere condolences. She was such a delight & we looked forward to the times we would see her at various QLS functions. She was also a dear friend to my brother Tony, who lived just around the corner from her. Her sense of humor, spunky attitude & zest for life was truly something special. May she rest in eternal peace.
Eileen Branoff
April 08, 2021 | Flint, MI | Friend
