Mary Ann Smyth

Mary Ann Smyth, age 90, passed away in Santa Rosa on September 9, 2025. Owner and operator of National Ice Deliver Inc since 1970. Mary was born in 1935 in Monroe Nebraska, a daughter of Carl and Theodosia Sempek. Mary's father emigrated from Poland in 1909 to America, coming through Ellis Island that year. Growing up during the Dust Bowl, and during World War II, like all American citizens, Mary's family was issued war ration cards for food and had to follow farming restrictions. Life was challenging at times. Mary was the seventh born of nine children, and had a twin brother, Steve, who son Steve is named after. Mary used to tell her children that she had to walk five miles to school in the snow, and they believe her.

Mary wed Joseph Smyth in 1959. Previously, her father had been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia, and he passed away the day before Mary and Joe were married. Shortly after becoming married, they moved to Oakland California and lived in and around the city and suburbs (San Leandro, Alameda). Mary attended night school at Laney College in Oakland CA, studying bookkeeping and business management. She worked for Lucky's Stores doing bookkeeping work and Joe working for the Case Tractor company for many years. Daughter Debbie was born in San Leandro in 1966. In 1970, Joe's brother Jerry informed them of a business opportunity in the town he lived in, Santa Rosa. The couple bought National Ice Delivery, and son Steve was born in November of that year.

Mary was a member of St Eugene's Cathedral since 1970. In her younger years in Nebraska, she played guitar, organ, and sang at church services, as well as weddings, and had dreams of moving to Nashville to become a country music artist. This inspired Steve to pursue his musical career. She also loved reading books (mysteries), doing crossword puzzles, and listening to country music.

Mary is survived by her son, Steve Smyth; daughter Debbie (Patrick) Flynn; grandsons, Matthew (Irene) Flynn and Nathan Flynn all of Santa Rosa; granddaughter Kristin Flynn of St. Petersburg, Florida; great-grandson Brayden Flynn of Santa Rosa. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Nicola Smyth.

Mary's strong work ethic is something that was instilled in both children throughout their lives. Mary's positivity, general outlook on life, and her faith, even in times of trouble, were traits of hers that were deeply valued and revered by family, relatives and friends alike.

A visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with a Rosary Service at 6 pm at Daniel's Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, October 2nd at St. Eugene's Cathedral, 2323 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, CA. Burial will follow the Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org/en/?form=FUNCNKRYYTR and Alzheimer's Association ( www.alz.org)