Mary E. Strath- Smith

Mary E. Strath- Smith (aka Mary Desnoyers), after battling illness for many years has passed away, leaving behind her husband Raymond W. Smith (her soul-mate), being together over 34 years and marrying in 2002.

Mary was born in Monticello, NY to Robert B. Strath and Joan A. Dexter- Strath. She was raised in many locations, notably Brooklyn, NY and Colonie, NY. As an adult, she moved to the Troy-Cohoes area and married, having three children: Stacy L. Desnoyers of Spartansburg, SC, Norman R. Desnoyers of Albany and Crystal L. Desautels-Buckley of Cohoes; grandchildren: Kayley M. Rivera of Ohio, Sean Willetts and Justin Willets of Cohoes; siblings: Richard T. Strath of Schenectady, NY and Barbara J. Clow who is predeceased as are Mary's parents. She has several nieces and nephews.

Mary worked as a bartender and waitress at various establishments. Addiction ran her life until 1989. She entered substance abuse treatment followed by a lifetime of 12 step self help program A.A. and she remained clean and carried the message. With recovery she went back for an education, studying addiction and this resulted in 2007 Mary went to work for Conifer Park as an addiction tech to acquire time to meet qualifications to sit for her CASAC exam.

In 2013 she passed her credentialing exam and was promoted to addiction specialist CASAC. Mary was very passionate and wanted for those she worked with what she herself had found on recovery. Respected by peers and those she served, Mary worked for Conifer Park since 2007 to this day. She was recognized in 2022 by her peers and the Schenectady County Office of Community Services as a Recovery Champion.

Relatives and friend are invited to attend her calling hours on Thursday October 5, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to attend her funeral service at the funeral home on Friday October 6 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, 430 Franklin Street 2nd Floor, Schenectady, NY 12305.