Maryann Smith Houston

Maryann Smith Houston, 95, of Marshfield, MA, passed away, peacefully, on October 31, 2025, at The Allerton House Memory Care Unit at The Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA.

Maryann was born on April 9, 1930, in Medford, Massachusetts, the daughter of Charles H. and Loretta (Murphy) Smith.

After graduating from Emmanuel College in 1952, Maryann embarked on a long and fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. She taught for many years in the Medford, MA public schools and later, on U.S. military bases overseas. In 1979, she earned a master's degree in education from Bridgewater State College.

Maryann lived by three maxims: family, faith, and friends. She consistently extended generosity to those in need, and her love of travel opened the world to her many nieces and nephews. Her teaching career took her to Mannheim, Germany; Seville, Spain; Misawa and Choju, Japan; Taegu, Korea; Vilseck, Germany; Newfoundland, Canada; Upwood, England; and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. She delighted her family with stories from her adventures and often sent small mementos and gifts that fostered an appreciation for other cultures.

Maryann never had a former friend. She became your friend for life. She met so many people in her life, her work, and her travels. She might not remember your name, but she never forgot your face. Maryann laughed often and easily-and made sure everyone around her did too. Summers with cousins at the Humarock beach house evoke particularly fond memories.

Maryann met Bud Houston in Guantanamo Bay, and they were married on December 26, 1984. They retired to Newport and later Havelock, NC. After Bud's passing, Maryann moved to Apex, NC, where she continued to enjoy warm weather, golfing, and bowling. Her high energy continued well into her 90s. After returning to New England, she could often be found walking laps around the house to reach her 10,000 steps a day.

She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews, including:
Maureen Smith, Edward Smith, Charlie Smith, Daniel Smith, and Kate Smith (originally from Westwood, MA); Molly Sanchez, Claire Kirchmaier, Joan Smith, Susan Cole, Nora Dimmock, Maggie Orlando, Theresa Roth, Paul Smith, and Dan Smith (originally from Rochester, NY); Mary Benkart, Kate Laguardia, and Dick Thomas (originally from Albany, NY); Jeanne Koch, Tricia Smith, John Smith, Ch rissy Smith, and Michael Smith (originally from Newburyport, MA). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leroy "Bud" Houston; brothers Charles "Chuck" Smith (and wife Phyllis), John "Jack" Smith (and wife Rosemary), and Paul Smith (and wife Josephine); sister Patricia "Pat" Thomas (and husband Henry "Hank"); nephews Mike and Billy Thomas; and niece Eileen Smith.

A Catholic funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 40 Canal Street, Marshfield, MA.

Visiting hours will be held at MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street, Marshfield, on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Her remains will be interred with her husband at Forest Oaks Memorial Gardens in Havelock, NC, at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers from The Village at Proprietors Green, Tides Hospice, and Cornerstone Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Boston, online at: https://www.ccab.org/ and/or Tides Hospice, LLC, online at: https://www.tideshospice.com/ (Funds to be used to fulfill last wishes)