Mary Jennison Smith

Mary J. Smith, 98, of Sandy Springs, GA, and Rocky Hill, CT died at her home on Sunday, March 1st, with loving family by her side.

She was born in Kalispell, Montana on April 11, 1927 to the late Robert Victor and Charlotte Weir Jennison. Returning to Massachusetts in 1929, her early years were spent in Boylston with her parents and 3 younger brothers. Mary graduated from Fitchburg Teachers College, now Fitchburg State University, in 1949 and went on to teach in Springfield MA and Newington CT where she met her future husband, Melvin Smith. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2012.

After teaching and having 5 children (5 in 10), she worked side by side with her husband Mel as owners of the Elm Hill Convalescent and Rest Home. She served as Assistant Director and Dietiatary Food service supervisor for 30 years at Elm Hill. In 2008 Mary and Mel moved to Sandy Springs, GA, for health reasons and to be near their oldest daughter, Kate Bissell.

Mary is survived by her 5 children, Catherine Bissell (Henry) of Sandy Springs, GA, Susan Scarrozzo (Bill) of Berlin, CT, Robert M. Smith of Hartford CT, Mary Smith Parker of Charleston, SC, and Julia Smith (Michael Monsour) of Wyomissing, PA.

She also leaves 14 grandchildren Charlotte Garner (Zack), Sarah Everett (Ross), Christopher Bissell (Carrie), David Birdsall (Kristine), Emily Saifan (Sami) , Kristi Scarrozzo (Joe), Jay Scarrozzo (Neera), Kenneth Smith (Jaclyn), Katherine Smith, Benjamin Parker (Symone), Adam Parker, Ethan Parker, Paul Monsour, & Mary Monsour.

She leaves great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Brynn Birdsall; Mary Claxton, Hadley and Rosie Garner; Anika, Ishana & Anish Scarrozzo; Anniston, Lainey and Bennett Everett, and Eloise and Bella Saifan.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Beverly Jennison, and many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Melvin; her brothers, Robert, David, and William Jennison; and her grandson, Robert Henry Bissell.

Mary was a talented artist, a wonderful cook, a lover of the arts and nature, and a UCONN Husky basketball fan. She instilled the importance of family and commitment in her children. She enjoyed a good meal, a glass of wine and gardening. She treasured her friendships ~ old and new. Most of all, Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family and was proud of their accomplishments, supported their endeavors, and treasured time spend with them. Mary will be remembered for her sharp wit, and her many New England sayings. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday March 22nd, at 2 pm at Mount Vernon Towers, Sandy Springs, GA, where she resided, and a service of Remembrance and Celebration for her life will be held at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, her birthday, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in her name to the RHCC, 805 Main Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Arrangements are being handled by The Davis - Struempf Funeral Home in Austell, GA