Mary Zita Smith

New London - Mary Zita Smith's last rally ended Feb. 15, 2026. Zita, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Born in New London, April 24, 1931, she was the daughter of John and Honora (Cunnane) Flaherty. Zita grew up in New London with her four siblings and remained deeply connected to the community throughout her life. She graduated from The Williams Memorial Institute and Connecticut College.

After college, she began her career as a teacher in New London, where she taught for two years before marrying the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Smith, who predeceased her in 2013. When her youngest child began school, she returned to the workforce and found meaningful work in the Recreation Department at the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), now known as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). During her 11 years at Seaside, she shared her energy and compassion with those she served. One of her proudest accomplishments was starting a tennis team that went on to compete in the local and state Special Olympics.

Zita loved her hometown and demonstrated that love through her many years of service and involvement in church and community. She volunteered and supported numerous organizations, including the Soup Kitchen, Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Child & Family Agency, Friends of the Public Library, and New London Main Street. She was also a proud supporter of the Garde Arts Center, the New London Maritime Society, the New London Historical Society, and the Hygienic Art organization. One of her greatest commitments was her more than 30 years as a dedicated volunteer with Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut.

She and Bob shared a love of travel and enjoyed exploring the world together, especially on their cherished sibling trips to St. Maarten and Hillsboro, Fla. After Bob's passing, Zita continued her passion for travel and was known to say "yes" to a trip even before knowing the destination.

Zita loved spending time at the beach, watching the Boston Red Sox, and staying active through tennis, skiing, and swimming. Zita was a lifelong reader and learner and was a member of the "Unnamed Book Club" for over 50 years. There was rarely a time when a book was not within reach. Zita was a faith-filled woman who leaned on her faith to guide her and help others. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren's sports and activities, proudly cheering them on from both coasts.

She is survived by her three sons, Robert of Los Angeles, Calif.; David (Giselle) of La Verne, Calif.; and Steven (Karen) of New London; and three daughters, Nancy Cowden of Waterford; Susan (Patrick Keating) of New London; and Carolyn Ryan (Barry) of Noank. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren: Nanette, Jillian, Logan, Gabrielle, Sierra, Christina, Kiely, Emily, Nora, Raymond, Casey and Teddy; and and her great-grandchildren: Paytin, Kaylee, Sofie and Leilani. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Karen Flaherty; brother-in-law Donald Burns; and a large extended family who loved her dearly. In addition to her husband Bob, Zita was predeceased by her four siblings: Joan Johanson and her husband Robert, Anne Burns, John "Jack" Flaherty and Robert Flaherty; her daughter Maureen Petersen; and her grandson Hayden Keating.

Zita's later years were enriched by the compassionate and devoted care of Donna Pinkham and Shanoya Grant, who became cherished members of the family. The family would also like to thank the personnel of Center for Hospice Care for their years of care.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at St. Joseph Church, 149 Montauk Avenue, New London. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care or the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund in New London.