Mary Camilla Smith

Mary Camilla Jay Smith passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2025, of natural causes following a short illness. She was 94.

Born on October 11, 1931, in the village of Vernon River, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Mary was the daughter of Harold and Susan Rooney Jay. She experienced the profound loss of her mother at the age of three, a sorrow that touched her life forever. Mary spent her early childhood on Prince Edward Island, lovingly cared for by her Aunt Josie and surrounded by her siblings.

At the age of 14, Mary moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to live with her father and stepmother. She became a proud American citizen in 1945 and graduated from Roslindale High School in 1949. Shortly after graduation, her beauty, poise, and adventurous spirit led her to a career in modeling with Neiman Marcus, giving her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States.

In 1951, Mary married John Paul Smith, a U.S. Navy officer. As a dedicated Navy wife, she embraced the challenges and adventures of military life, raising her family while moving frequently and living in California, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Florida. In her later years, Mary found comfort and joy living in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with her daughter Paulette and her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Harold Jay, Beatrice McNamee, Earl Jay, and James Jay; her former husband Cdr. John P. Smith; and grandchildren Jay Anderson and Joseph Varvel.

She is survived by her five children: Paulette Bowles, Suzette Brinker, Janette Nutter, John P. Smith II, and Julie Dolance. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her legacy of resilience, humor, and strength.

Mary's family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with the loved ones she has long missed. Her life was defined by perseverance, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.